NCJ Number
103004
Date Published
1986
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This fifth in a series of independent study lessons on police supervision is designed to facilitate better communications between supervisors and subordinates and enhance reporting of information within the chain of command.
Abstract
Communication is the process of verbally and nonverbally transmitting information to others. Effective interpersonal communication requires shared feeling and understanding between two or more people. While one-way communication is quicker, orderly, and power-protected, two-way communication enhances accuracy, morale, and confidence of position. It is important that communicators be aware of body language and its potential benefits and pitfalls. Nonverbal cues can clarify, emphasize, or substitute for verbal communication, and also can contradict them. Mental sets or frames of reference provide common barriers to effective communication. Overcoming these barriers requires the communicator to skillfully transmit and receive messages. Ways to maximize communication effectiveness include use of feedback, verbal and nonverbal cues, face-to-face communication, sensitivity to the receiver's perceptions and the meanings of words, careful timing, and reinforcement with actions. In addition, language should be simple and direct and include appropriate repetition. Finally, good communications, written and verbal, must be carefully planned and clear. Progress checks and a comprehensive examination are provided. For other lessons in this series, see NCJ 103000-103003 and NCJ 103005-103008.