Public Announcement to the Press
A police officer should ensure that a press announcement is concise and as short as possible. Specifically, the police officer should communicate effectively in varying intensities. They should use accurate vocabulary, and the communication should be focused on particulars to avoid unnecessary embarrassments. Furthermore, an officer should be careful in their choice of words to avoid creating ambiguity. In most instances, ambiguous words send the wrong message to the media, and may result in misinformation of the public.
Schmalleger (2012) suggests that a police officer’s facial expression should be consistent with the verbal message. The press quickly picks up inconsistent facial expressions to generate a holistic interpretation of press briefing. It is essential to maintain eye contact with the audience to ensure that the message is well understood. A good police officer must be able to use gestures to clarify issues and connect with the audience, According to Schmalleger (2012), mumbling and exhaling should be avoided at all times, especially when asked a question because it sends the wrong signal to the audience.
Testifying In A Court
A police officer should be aware of the fact that the highest standards of professionalism are widely expected when they are testifying in a court of law. As a law enforcement agent, the police officer must be authoritative yet consistent with the rule of law. The dressing code should be formal. Furthermore, they should adorn the official police uniform with all the rank medals and decorations. The dressing code gives the officer the authority to persuade the jurors and the judge on the issues at hand. The police officer should also be prepared to handle the attention given to them by all participants during the testimony. Additionally, the police officer should exude confidence and avoid nervousness or arrogance.
A police officer should be well prepared for questions that could lead tension or nervousness. They should be able to use the oath-taking process as an opportunity to make a lasting impression on the entire court that the testimony will be based on truth and integrity. Moreover, the officer should keep eye contact with the person administering the oath while carefully listening and repeating the instructions.
Ideally, they should listen and think critically before answering the questions. An officer should be observant, and they should demonstrate utmost seriousness while giving testimony. Primarily, the testimony should always be based on the asked questions. They should always remain genuine and composed to accord the trial the seriousness it deserves.
Communicating With Peers and Inmates in a Correctional Facility
A police officer should ensure that any communication with peers and inmates in a correctional facility is widely aimed at improving and institutionalizing information base for use in both contemporary and innovative police practices. The communication must be focused on the seamless use information in all procedures. Bryan et al. (2009), argues that an officer should provide relevant data delinquents. In most cases, communication entails the process exchanging information about particular offenders to ensure public safety. All communication must follow the laid down procedures and policies.
Communicating With Peers and Inmates in a Juvenile Correctional Facility
Since juveniles are below eighteen years of age, the language used should be easy to comprehend. Furthermore, the communication approach should be authoritative to inculcate obedience and respect from the inmates. According to Bryan et al. (2009), it is essential to understand the juvenile language for one to respond to their needs. An officer should be in a position to use non-verbal communication to command and correct the juveniles.
References
Bryan, K., Freer, J., & Furlong, C. (2007). Language and communication difficulties in juvenile offenders. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 42(5), 505-520.
Schmalleger, F. (2009). Criminal justice today: An introductory text for the 21st century. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
