NCJ Number
138660
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 61 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 1-7
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This examination of police training in a culturally diverse society describes the basic nature of culture and then addresses the naive assumptions held by many Americans regarding cultural diversity, followed by recommendations on how police can overcome barriers to cross-cultural communication.
Abstract
People's behaviors stem from the internalization of cultural conditioning. Two people from different cultures will often encounter cultural conflicts as the behavior of each is misunderstood by the other. As people develop an understanding of one another's culture and how it is manifested in behaviors and attitudes, misunderstandings are reduced and communication is facilitated. Some naive assumptions are that as society and the workforce become more diverse, differences become less important, that we are all the same in the American melting pot, that it is just a matter of communication and common sense, and that conflict is conflict regardless of the culture. Because of these naive assumptions about cultural differences, the criminal justice community seldom views cross-cultural awareness and training as vital. As society and the law enforcement workforce become more diverse, however, the ability to manage cultural diversity becomes essential. Police officers can become more culturally aware by knowing their own culture; learning about the various cultures found within the agency and in the community; understanding the dynamics of cross-cultural communication, adjustment, and conflict; and developing cross-cultural communicative, analytical, and interpretative skills. The criminal justice community must include cross-cultural awareness in all aspects of law enforcement training. 6 notes