Cja 304: Effective Communication Channels

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Effective Communication CJA/304 Communication is simply the exchange of ideas or thoughts between two or more people. Most often, we communicate with little effort. Other times we struggle to communicate because of the circumstances regarding the conversation, such as being nervous while giving a public speech. In criminal justice, effective communication is essential. A police officer must have strong communication skills to conduct a successful interview. Ineffective communication can result in getting insufficient evidence to win a case in court or put a suspect in prison. Police officers have to be confident in their communication abilities. Communication does not occur as an isolated event, but rather as a process involving multiple…show more content…
Informal channels are a quick way to exchange information from one party to another. This is typically done with verbal communication. Hearing information “through the grapevine” is a form of communication via the informal channel. Gossip mills are another example of this communication channel. There are flaws in relying on this type of communication. Often times the data is manipulated, either accidentally or maliciously. As one individual tells another the information, it can be interpreted differently then the sender intended. This changes the entire meaning of the information, allowing the information to become corrupt and inaccurate. Using the formal channel to communicate information to others is often more accurate. The formal channel uses “formal orders, directives, and written memorandums” (Wallace & Roberson, 2009, p.18). This type of channel if primarily found in police departments, government agencies, and medical facilities. Using orders and directives is a clear way to get the information to another individual. Written memorandums provide a solid paper trail, providing evidence of a rule of policy. The disadvantage to using the formal channel to transmit information is the time consumption. It takes more time to write the rule than it does to speak it. Another downfall to using this channel is the inability for communication to quickly adapt…show more content…
During police academy, new cadets take classes that focus on the need for effective communication, teaching those ways to better communicate. There are classes on report writing, objective listening, and basic spelling and grammar. These classes teach cadets how to write and speak clearly, leading to better communication with their superiors, their coworkers, and the community. The old saying “Practice makes perfect” applies to communication. The more it is practiced correctly, the better and easier it will

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