Verbal Communication Paper
Brook B Benningfield
University of Phoenix Axia College
CJA/304
Barry Preston

Verbal Communication Paper Verbal and non-verbal communication in the criminal justice field is tremendous. The criminal process always begins with the arrest of a suspected person. All communication from the arresting officer, prosecutors, defendants, and the judge will have an impact on a the criminal justice process. Communication, verbal and non verbal, is absolutely detrimental to all branches of the criminal justice system. Cultural and language differences are a common reason for miscommunication. When communicating with people in different cultures, a person should be extremely aware of the hand gestures and non-verbal communication tools they are using. Many of the hand gestures used in the United States that mean “good” things, mean offensive and profane things to other cultures. Proper and effective communication skills are a crucial part of a police officers job. Public announcements and updates on criminal activity must be completely accurate and kept to a “need to know” format. A police officer must know how to release just enough information to satisfy the public, yet not jeopardize the an investigation. Dr George Thompson, a former police officers and English teacher, developed a form of communication called tactical verbal communication. Tactical verbal communication allows officers to reduce potentially hostile situations with their words and presence. This form of communication redirects hostility and officers gain control of the situation and have a positive outcome. Tactical verbal communication trains officers to assess a situation and respond in a respectful way versus being intimidation. The use of hand gestures and eye contact is also taught for various situation. Tactical verbal communication comes into use during press releases when reporters will throw out any questions they chose to try and dig information. Communication in a courtroom setting is generally between the judge and the prosecuting and defense attorneys. This communication is most always verbal. The communication is not always formal, it is often times informal depending on the need of comprehension for a jury. Non verbal communication in a courtroom setting can often be more important than verbal communication. Gesticulations and faces that a defendant makes or a judges demeanor are all paid close attention to in the courtroom. When testifying, all eyes on on that witness. Clear, confidant verbal communication is important for credibility. During a testimony, non verbal communication has an even greater impact than verbal communication. If a witness is being fidgety, moving their arms a lot, looking around, and acting uncertain, their entire testimony is could be questionable. A jury is looking for eye contact and a crisp, clear testimony. It is important to keep in mind that jurors view trials as storytelling, as drama. All of the witnesses, including litigants, play certain roles and parts in the story and must be evaluated and prepared with these roles and parts in mind. In an ideal world, the good guys always prevail and truth needs no window dressing. Unfortunately, in the real world, image often replaces substance and is frequently more to jurors than integrity alone (Varinsky, 1992).

Verbal communication is an interaction between employees and inmates in a correctional facility. Employees must be able to communication effectively with their peers and supervisors in order to maintain an orderly, safe, productive environment. Verbal communication between employees and inmates varies. Tactical verbal communication is also used in the correctional field. Ideally, correctional officers should do everything in their power to handle a potentially bad situation verbally before using force. This build trust amongst the inmates, as well as respect. Correctional officers must have professional non verbal skills as well. The way an officer carries himself, grooms, his presence, and hand gestures can alter situations, both negatively and positively. Other forms of non verbal communication in a correctional facility are moving schedules, this is where certain doors open and an alarms is set off to indicate to inmates that they are free to enter a dining hall or use certain facilities. In a juvenile correctional facility, it is very similar to an adult facility. You are dealing with young adults and children who often do not have a high cognitive ability. An example of non verbal communication is disciplinary rules and grievance procedures for juvenile wards posted, as required by law, throughout all facilities (Grand jury, 2009). There are also specific bells and alarms indicating certain activities that are taking place. Verbal communication must be clear and not sound condescending. A large majority of youth are in the juvenile facilities because of rebellion to authority. That is not the type of environment that should be created. Rehabilitation, counseling, and understanding voices are what need to be communicated in this environment.

Verbal and non verbal communication is likely the most important part of the criminal justice field. It can calm situations, escalate situations, clear up misunderstandings, uncover truths, and effect the outcome of trials. Criminal justice professionals must be aware of the way they are communicating at all times.

References
Varinsky, Howard (1992). Non verbal communication enhances witness credibility. Retrieved December 19, 2010, from http://www.varinsky.com/publications/publication_8.pdf

OC Grand Jury (2009). Juvenile facilities. Retrieved December 19, 2010, from http://www.ocgrandjury.org/pdfs/juvenilefacility/juvenile_facilities.pdf