Session-2-Types-and-Modes-of-Communication (1)

Types and Modes of Communication

• Applications in Criminology:

  • Verbal

  • Nonverbal

  • Written

  • Visual

  • Digital

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:

• Apply verbal and nonverbal communication techniques in criminology.

• Utilize written communication for accuracy and professionalism.

• Leverage visual and digital tools for effective information sharing.

Modes of Communication in Criminology

• Various modes include verbal, nonverbal, written, visual, and digital communication.

Verbal Communication – Beyond Basics

Techniques

• Active listening

• Questioning strategies

• Tone adaptation

Application

• Used in interviews with suspects or witnesses.

Example

• A police officer modifying tone based on the witness's emotional state.

Advanced Verbal Techniques in Criminology

• Building rapport during interrogations.

• Managing high-stress situations verbally.

Example

• Crisis negotiation techniques.

Nonverbal Communication – Advanced Insights

• Micro-expressions and detecting lies.

• Cultural variations in nonverbal cues.

Example

• A suspect avoiding eye contact in an interrogation (context-specific).

Nonverbal Communication in Team Dynamics

• Using body language to convey authority and confidence.

• Reading nonverbal cues during teamwork (e.g., SWAT operations).

Assertive vs Passive Communication

Assertive Communication

• Tone: Confident and respectful.

• Expression: Direct and clear.

• Body Language: Confident posture, maintains eye contact.

• Handling Conflict: Actively engages in conflict resolution; comfortable in communicating needs.

Passive Communication

• Tone: Hesitant and submissive.

• Expression: Indirect or avoids expression.

• Body Language: Minimal eye contact, slouched posture.

• Handling Conflict: Avoids conflict, leading to unresolved issues; struggles to express personal needs.

Barriers in Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

• Misinterpretation due to cultural differences.

• Stress or emotional state interference.

Example

• Misreading a gesture in a multicultural investigation team.

15 Barriers to Verbal Communication

• Language Differences

• Communication Styles Clash

• Selective Listening

• Noise and Distractions

• Lack of Clarity

• Cultural Misunderstandings

• Emotional Barriers

• Physical Barriers

• Lack of Feedback

• Inappropriate Tone

• Power Dynamics

• Nonverbal Cues Misinterpretation

• Assumptions and Stereotypes

• Inattentiveness

• Mismatched Expectations

15 Barriers to Nonverbal Communication

• Incongruent Body Language

• Lack of Eye Contact

• Cultural Misinterpretation

• Inappropriate Facial Expressions

• Proximity Discomfort

• Contradictory Vocal Tone

• Limited Gestures

• Cultural Touch Norms

• Gender-specific Nonverbal Norms

• Environmental Distractions

• Technology-Mediated Communication

• Personal Prejudices

• Emotional Blocks

• Language Barriers

• Status Differences

Written Communication in Criminology – Importance

Key Uses

• Incident reports

• Affidavits

• Legal documents

Importance

• Clarity and professionalism are vital.

Example

• Writing a detailed, unbiased incident report.

Components of a Police Incident Report

1. General information: Date, time, and location of the incident.

2. People involved: Reporting party, victims, witnesses, suspects, and officers.

3. Evidence: Handling of physical evidence by officer, suspect, or victim.

4. Actions: What involved individuals did during the incident.

5. Injuries: Severity of any injuries.

6. Property damage: Any damage to property or equipment.

7. Statements: Statements from victim, witnesses, and suspect.

8. Disposition: Chain of custody for all evidence.

Techniques for Effective Written Communication

• Structuring reports using the 5Ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why).

• Avoiding jargon and maintaining grammatical accuracy.

Example

• Writing a clear affidavit for court presentation.

Common Mistakes in Written Communication

• Overloading reports with unnecessary details.

• Ambiguity or lack of specifics.

Example

• Comparing a vague vs. a precise incident description.

Visual Communication in Criminology – Importance

• Role of visuals in investigations and court presentations.

Examples

• Maps, diagrams, infographics, and photographs.

Example

• A crime scene sketch used in a case briefing.

Types of Visual Communication Tools

• Graphs and charts (e.g., crime trend analysis).

• Maps (e.g., geographic profiling).

• Photographs and videos (e.g., evidence documentation).

Creating Effective Visuals for Criminology

• Simplifying complex information using infographics.

Tips

• Clear labeling, color-coding, and relevance.

Example

• A flowchart illustrating a suspect’s movement timeline.

Digital Communication

• Important for modern criminology.

Examples

• Emails, messaging apps, and secure evidence databases.

Example

• Sharing case details through a secure digital platform.

Tools for Digital Communication in Criminology

• Video conferencing for inter-agency collaboration.

• Secure apps for real-time updates (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal).

Example

• Using Zoom for cross-jurisdictional case discussions.

Digital Ethics and Security

• Protect sensitive data during digital communication.

• Avoid misinformation and ensure source credibility.

Example

• Use of encryption tools for securely sharing evidence files.

Integrating Modes of Communication in Criminology

• Combining verbal, nonverbal, written, visual, and digital communication for effective case handling.

Example

• Using verbal cues, written notes, and visual aids in a court presentation.