Cja 304 Effective Communication Research Paper

Effective Communication Paper
Kianna Harris
Prentice Tate
CJA/304
July 21, 2013

Communication can be simply defined as the act of transferring information from one place to another. (“What is Communication?”, 2011). It can also be defined as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through common system of symbols or behavior. (Mathewson, 2009). Verbal and nonverbal communication are two forms of communication. The desired outcome or goal of either one of these forms of communication is understanding. Verbal, also known as spoken communication, consist of face-to-face, telephone, radio, television, or other media. Nonverbal communication consist of body language, gestures, how we dress or act, and even our
In criminal justice, there are formal and informal channels of communication. The criminal justice system consists of police, corrections, and courts. The formal channels are the strict procedures defined by the policies of the organization. The informal channels consist of the undocumented sharing of information. (Sinclair, 2013). Formal channels of communication can be directed downward, upward, or horizontal. Downward formal communication is when directors send information to a lower level, and then the information will steadily be passed down to the lowest applicable subordinate. For example, a rule could be set by the warden, and be passed down first to the majors, then the lieutenants, then to the sergeants, and lastly, to the correctional officers. (Sinclair, 2013). Upward formal communication is when information from subordinates is passed up to the directors. Horizontal formal communication is when information is discussed within the same level of command. This channel is used for department problem solving, group projects, and resolving conflicts. Informal channels of communication are when employees, at any level, share information about what they heard. The most common informal channel of communication is the “grapevine”. The downside to this channel of communication is that information is not always passed on the same way as it was received. (Sinclair,
Some victims, offenders, suspects, and witnesses speak different languages, and many criminal justice agencies find it hard t communicate with them. Things to help improve with language problems include machines that translate words, and also people. People who speak foreign languages are a big help to the justice system, especially if they can speak languages that are not commonly spoken here in the United