Communication is primarily an exchange of information, ideas, or thoughts. This paper will focus on the process of verbal and nonverbal communication as well as the components of each. It outline the formal and informal channels of criminal channels. This paper will also list the different barriers to effective communication within a criminal justice organization. Finally it will cover strategies that can be implemented to overcome communication barriers within criminal justice organizations.
Verbal and nonverbal communication
Wallace and Roberson (2009) stated that communication is "a process involving several steps, among two or more persons, for the primary purpose of exchanging information" (p.15 ). The process of communicating is the formation of an idea or multiple ideas with the intention of conveying these ideas. These ideas can be expressed verbally, in writing, or by deed. Next these ideas need to be received and understood in order for the process to be effective. If a message is not understood it defeats the purpose of the communication. The last step in the communication method is the feedback. This is when the recipient relays that the message and intent was realized or that more clarification is. As mentioned earlier this process can happen either verbally, in writing, or by deed. Verbal communication occurs when persons communicate verbally with words spoken aloud. One example of verbal communication is how a dispatcher requests an officer to take care of a call. The dispatcher can radio the officer, and advise him or her that there is a certain disturbance that needs attention. The officer can either reply confirming that he or she is available to take the call, or the officer can request the clarification if the officer did not understand the dispatcher 's transmission.
An example of written communication can be a memo, letter, or correspondence. The sender can request something or share an idea by