Running head: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 1

Effective Communication
CJA/304
October 13, 2014
Mr. Gilbert Cardena
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 2


Effective Communication
Communication is defined as the act or process of transmitting information (Merriam-
Webster 2014). Effective communication requires both a verbal and nonverbal skillset. To be
successful in communication also requires one to have the ability to listen and hear, which are
two completely different skills.
Verbal communication skills are consisted of multiple factors. One who is skilled in this
area of effective communication would have clarity of speech, be relaxed, confident, and polite
while following the basic rules of etiquette. The tone of voice uncovers an individuals emotional
state. For example, one with lack of self-confidence may speak with hesitancy and quietness
whereas someone who is confident will speak with conviction and coherence (Verbal
Communication Skills). In the field of criminal justice, verbal communication is imperative.
From speaking to the general public to simply advising one of their Miranda rights, the words
that an officer uses must be truthful, concise, and clear (Effective Criminal Justice
Communication).
The words that are spoken, the tone in which they are spoken, and the body language of
the speaker are all components of verbal communication. Though body language may be
considered part of nonverbal communication, all three of these work together to convey the
speakers message. Having good communication skills but terrible nonverbal communication
(i.e. crossing ones arms while speaking) can confuse the audience. They may ask, Does this
person really care about what they are talking about?
Nonverbal communication, too, plays a functional role in the criminal justice system.
One study shows that even the simplest gestures like leaning near the jury while speaking and
having strong eye contact can significantly impact the results of a trial. Therefore, if a jury can
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 3


be persuaded by the simplest gestures, any form of communication by law enforcement staff can
be used to convey any message (Remland 1993). Whether it be an informal or formal setting,
having good nonverbal communication is just as important (or even more so) than verbal.
The uses of voice, facial expressions, distance, touch, and body language all work
together to communicate a message. Nonverbal communication in itself speaks volumes when
one is speaking. It determines how the speaker is perceived by their audience. The tone can be
set by how the person looks as well (facial expressions). Even if the person speaking is articulate
and eloquent, if their facial expressions do not match what they are saying, they could lose the
meaning behind what they are trying to say.
Many people do not realize that there is a dramatic difference between hearing and
listening. Hearing is discerning sound by ear, so unless you are hearing-impaired, then hearing
just happens. However, listening is consciously chosen. It requires one to concentrate so that the
brain can process the meaning behind the words and sentences spoken. The act of listening is
what leads to learning (Hearing vs. Listening 2011).
In various organizations, formal and informal channels of communication have both
advantages and disadvantages. Though formal channels enable unity, they cease the flow of
information that helps to cultivate unification in this criminal justice field. But the same is true in
the contrary: though informal channels allow the free flow of information, it inhibits uniformity
(Communication Frustration).
In the United States, different departments of corrections have implemented different
channels of formal and informal communication. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and
Corrections (DRC) had to rethink and reconstruct their internal communications channels
because of some issues they had in the past. These issues included public view, sentencing
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 4


reform, and the sufficiency of resources and budget. Their communications team also created an
inventory of current within the DRC, which covered both the informal patterns of
communications and the formal channels. This inventory was coordinated according to the
external and internal dimensions of existing communication practices. It developed a roster of
action items, and the team started to develop plans of action for three items on the roster:
enhancing training throughout the department, enlisting the team as an advisory board for their
newsletter, and expanding the electronic technology options so that they may enhance their
communications (Stucker, Ph. D., J. 1995).
One barrier that can easily effect any workplace is that of personal barriers. Obstructions
of this sort are categorized into two parts: barriers associated with fear of authority and hesitation
of dealing with subordinates. It would be easy to assume that almost everyone wants to raise
their rank within the workplace. However, it is also often that people are fearful to communicate
their ideas with higher ranking officers because many of the officers in that top standing position
can also lack confidence in the ideas of their inferior colleague. (Pujari 2014)
The chances of misinterpreting the feelings or message of a speaker is always plausible.
The figures, signs, and words are all what the audience uses to clarify what the sender is saying.
The barrier that can arise from the misunderstanding is called semantic barriers. Badly expressed
messages (i.e. using the wrong progression of sentences and constant repetition), poor
technical jargon, and lousy body language can all heighten the chances misinterpretation of
communication. As an officer, it is important to be nondiscriminatory in their language. One
must not be harsh or biased because the reputation of the police force is reliant upon how the
public views its personnel (Pujari 2014).
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It is important to note the mental condition of both the sender and receiver of a message.
An audience who is mentally disturbed can hinder communication, which is categorized as a
psychological or emotional barrier. In order to be effective in the area of communication, a
receiver who tries to create a premature evaluation can dampen the vigor and zeal of the speaker.
The receiver must also be keen to what the speaker is saying because lack of attention can cease
the potency and the power of the senders message. Though it is out of an officers control, they
can definitely persuade the audience to listen by speaking with emphasis and confidence.
Regardless of who they are talking to, whether it be a simple traffic stop or a domestic dispute,
an officer must make sure that their message has come across clearly (Pujari 2014).
The fourth type of barrier to effective communication is organizational barriers. In any
department or company, having well-structured policies, rules and regulations, and statuses all
convey the kind of institution that is ran. Making sure that the facility is flowing smoothly
conveys a message to all employees that the workplace is professional and important. It creates
an atmosphere to where everyone who is present understands that this is a place where one must
be serious and polished, two characteristics that every officer must have. If the workplace is
sloppily managed, it is likely that the employees will work sloppily as well (Pujari 2014).
The perfect workplace is non-existent; there is always room for improvement. However,
everyone can strive to create one. To train an officer to be effective in both the verbal and
nonverbal communication, it would be very beneficial to require for each individual to go
through a speech class that is directed toward criminal justice organizations. It would also be
wise to necessitate every officer to wear a mobile video/audio recording device while on duty.
This allows the officer to be accountable to everything they do or say, as well as to protect the
officer for wrongfully being accused.
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Reference Page
Communication Frustration. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2014, from
http://criminaljusticelaw.us/principles/leadership/communication-frustration/
Effective Criminal Justice Communication - Criminal Justice Law. (n.d.). Retrieved
October 14, 2014, from http://criminaljusticelaw.us/principles/leadership/communication-
frustration/effective-criminal-justice-communication/
Hearing vs. Listening. (2011, June 16). Retrieved October 14, 2014, from
http://www.d.umn.edu/kmc/student/loon/acad/strat/ss_hearing.html
Hellesvig-Gaskell, K. (2014, January 2). The Difference Between Hearing & Listening
Skills. Retrieved October 14, 2014, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/83661-difference-
between-hearing-listening/
(n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2014, from http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/communication
Pujari, S. (n.d.). 4 Different Types of Barriers to Effective Communication. Retrieved
October 16, 2014, from http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/business-communication/4-different-
types-of-barriers-to-effective-communication/1004/
Remland, M. S. (1993). The Importance of Nonverbal Communication in the
Courtroom. Information Analysis, (), 1-26.
Stucker, Ph. D., J., Smith, G., & Sprecher, R. (1995) Communication in Corrections.
Retrieved October 15, 2014, from https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.nicic.gov/Library/012409.pdf
Verbal Communication Skills. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2014, from
http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/effective-speaking.html