Brandi Greenfield
CJA/304
Monty Mathis
December 17, 2014
There are a lot of ways to effectively communicate no matter what situation you may be in. In this paper we will discuss the process of verbal and nonverbal communication and the components associated to each one of these. The differences between listening and hearing will also be touched upon. The formal and informal channels of communication in Criminal justice organizations. We will also look into the different barriers to effective communication in criminal justice organizations. Strategies that may be implemented to overcome communication barriers in criminal justice organizations. Communication is “the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to
Express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone
Else.” ("Merriam-Webster", 2015). Communication in any criminal justice setting involves both verbal and non-verbal communication, whether it be inside the organization itself or outside in the community. In order for a law enforcement agency to function properly both forms of communication are critical. Verbal communication is all about the spoken word, whether it be face-to-face, over a telephone, via a radio or any other social media outlets. Officers must be able to communicate with their fellow officers and superiors, and also the people in their community. There are two main components to ensure proper verbal communication, that being the content of the message and word usage. When an officer is communicating with a victim, suspect, or any other person for that matter they need to ensure that they are communicating on the level of that person. This ensures that the officer is completely understood.
Non-verbal communication includes written communication as well as body language, your gestures, how you act and dress and even your scent. Police reports are a great