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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.