Criminal Justice Training

Aid

CJA/304
Tommorra Shelton
November 10, 2014
Eileen Carlin

Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................... 3
Public Announcement To The Press.............................................. 3
Testifying In Court ........................................................................ 6
Communicating With Peers and Inmates ..................................... 8
In A Correctional Facility ......................................................... 8
In A Juvenile Facility ................................................................ 9

Conclusion...11
References ................................................................................... 12

Introduction
Communication is not an event, but a process that is
amongst two or more people for the sole purpose to exchange
information. Criminal justice agencies communicate with various
types of individuals daily, and the level of comprehension depends
on how the communication is voiced, transferred, obtained,
deciphered, and the surroundings. Law enforcement agencies interact
with a broad range of individuals that includes the media, courtroom,
and inmates and peers at correctional and juvenile facilities. When
information and data is shared with the public by law enforcement
agencies, care should be taken by using correct techniques,
terminology, and strategies based on particular situations and
objective regarding communication. By following this process, it
will make certainty how the exchange of communication is attained
and comprehended (Wallace & Roberson, 2009).

Public Announcement to the Press

Police officers need to be confident in his or her verbal and
non-verbal communication skills, in prepartion to giving a public

statement to the press. The public use the media to receive

reassurance that the criminal justice system main goal is to protect
and serve. The appointed speaker for the criminal justice system
must use clear arguments, simple content, and terms the general
public can understand. If potential listeners do not notice or
concentrate on information given it is important that certain facts be
repeated throughout a report and the probability within the public
receiving and comprehending the information presented (Wallace &
Roberson, 2009).

Make sure his or her appearance speaks louder than the

words. The media will be focused on the entire officer.

Use correct and accurate vocabulary.

Avoid the use of jargon. Use language the general public can
understand.

Have a well thought-of choice of words to prevent sending

the wrong message. The media may misinterpret the

message inaccurately.

Avoid public humiliation by keeping focus on the important

details.

Keep eye contact with the press to show confidence in the

message he or she is delivering. This will influence the
message without doubt.

The officer may use gestures to clarify and avoid exhaling

or mumbling when a question is inquired as this sends an
incorrect message to the public (Schmalleger, 2012).

Testifying In Court
Law enforcement officers are sometimes called to testify in
court. They are held at a higher standard than a lay witness and are
expected to delivery their answers in a respectable, accurate and
honest manner. In the courtroom environment, testimonies given by
law enforcement should be able to validate any evidence presented
in a case. To give credible testimony, officers should always be
prepared to be professional. When officers testimony is normally
delivered within a courtroom setting, they will find a question and
also answer periods how the prosecution and defense use to assist in
strengthening their case (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). Law
enforcement agents should make themselves aware of their body
language to make sure the testimony is obtained, decoded, and
understood properly.

 Police officers must wear proper uniform attire for their

presence with the same respect as if they are going before a
promotion panel.

Officers should mentally prepare themselves to have all eyes

on them as they enter the courtroom and called to take the
stand.

Psychological
ly be prepared
to answer
questions
factually and
honestly. Officers are typically nervous when taking the
stand.

Be an effective listener and think before answering a

question. Your answers are being recorded.

 Maintain eye contact with defense and prosecutor as

questions are asked and answered.

Answer only the questions that are being asked. Never

volunteer information.

Remain composed and professional. Your composure and

professionalism will have an impact on the jury, who will be
scrutinizing your demeanor.

Communicating With Peers and

Inmates

In a Correctional Facility
There is a mutual objective between correctional facilities
and law enforcement agencies when it comes to decreasing crime for
the publics safety. Both agencies have different standpoints on how
to pursue this accomplishment, in which law enforcement is to
maintain and enforce the laws and correctional facilities aim to
rehabilitate. When joining forces, both agencies can control

corresponding resources for widespread benefits. Law enforcement

agencies improve and create the most ample base of information that
correctional agencies can use that may have a likely use for
traditional and resourceful police procedures. For example, Comp
Stat, fusion center exchange, patrol and special operations.

Exchanging information on particular offenders.

Develop a joint public safety plan.

Present police data on delinquents to

corrections.

In a Juvenile Facility
Criminal justice experts who have contact with inmates in
the juvenile correctional facilities regularly require extra
communication abilities and capabilities (U. Utes. Department
associated with Justice Nationwide Institute associated with
Corrections, 2004). Criminal justice professionals should be aware
of and understand the layout of the facility, such as the kind of coded

language and interaction amongst the inmates, signs and symbols,

and tattoos. Understanding the juveniles language and demeanor is
essential in reinforcing behaviors and rehabilitation.

Use simple language the juvenile can understand. Speak

their language.

Be authoritative when communicating with juveniles to

build the respect level. The officer should be forceful in
prevent deterrence for disrespect.

Understand their language and learn their demeanor to build

a bridge of communication. By accomplishing this, the
officer will better understand the actions and needs of the
juvenile.

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 Use nonverbal communication skills such as clapping or

nodding to direct the juvenile in the manner needed.

Conclusion

Criminal justice professionals will face numerous of

individuals, options, and scenarios within their career as a law
enforcement agent, may require use of various types of
communication. Whether any criminal justice professionals are
reaching the media, courtroom audience, or inmates and peers
within a correctional facility or juvenile facility, should
remember the methods needed to carry outside effective
communication.

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References
Schmalleger, F. J. (2012). Criminal Justice Today: An
Introductory Text for the 21st Century (12 ed).

U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections.

(2004). Interpersonal Communications in the
Correctional Setting. Retrieved from
http://static.nicic.gov/Library/020035.pdfWallace, H.,
& Roberson, C. (2009) Written and Interpersonal
Communication: Methods for Law Enforcement (4th
ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall

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