NCJ Number
82601
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 51 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1982) Pages: 1-7
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The article discusses the importance of rhetoric, the art of effective communication, as a useful tool for police officers in the field.
Abstract
Rhetoric consists of five basic elements: perspective, the officers' point of view; voice, the officers' tone of voice; audience, the person(s) with whom the officer has made contact; purpose, the officers' goal or end; and organization, the way in which the officer chooses to present or structure communication. The officer's own point of view is generally influenced by the written legal code. Good officers must try to blend their personal feelings with their sworn legal perspective, letting their humanity come through. The officer must also have the ability to understand the audience's point of view since the encounter between officers and the public is likely to have a lasting effect on the citizens involved. A clear understanding of perspective and audience aids in the judicious selection of tone or voice. Officers must learn to choose and create the most appropriate voice to convey their words. Voice and purpose should be in harmony. Officers should know how to structure their communications to fit the particular rhetorical situation. Training in rhetorical communications should be required of every officer. No references are cited.