A Drive-by Shooting
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The purpose of this essay is to respond to a scenario requiring a police officer to interview witnesses at a homicide scene, use communication skills effectively, develop a report for internal use, arrest and interrogate a suspect, and testify in court. Each of these issues will be addressed. The goal of the exercise is to demonstrate the writer's understanding of appropriate communication methods, strategies, and interactions that are instrumental in the work of law enforcement personnel. The nature of their work brings law enforcement officers into contact with a wide variety of individuals who often present with specific attitudes, preconceptions, or agendas that complicate police work (National Communication Association, 2008). In the present case, a key difficulty for the detective at the crime scene will be communicating with a young child who observed the drive-by shooting and the hearing impaired older man who also witnessed the event. The presence of gang members who are upset by the murder of a fellow gang member may complicate communication. These individuals are unlikely to be particularly forthcoming and may be more focused on revenge than on assisting the police, with whom they are likely to have strained relations. As noted by Kassin, Leo, Meissner, Richman, Colwell, & Leach, et al (2007), nonverbal communication will be important in this kind of scenario. The child and
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ident. It would capture any conflicting accounts and note which of the witnesses contributed to the profile of the crime developed by the detective. Any subsequent interrogations of any of the witnesses should be included in the report.
This report must include all details gathered from the witnesses and should also avoid any speculation on the part of the police officer (Technical Working Group for Eyewitness Evidence, 1999). It should include any follow-up interviews and document all responses in writing. The more complete the report, the more likely it is that investigating officers will be able to identify a suspect.
Arresting the Suspect
The arrest is complicated by the fact that the suspect has taken a hostage. This introduces the necessity of conflict resolution and negotiating with the suspect to ensure the safe release of the hostage. Communicating requires the officer in charge at the scene to remain calm and empathetic. He or she must establish rapport with the suspect and defuse a potentially volatile situation (Technical Working Group for Eyewitness Evidence, 1999). The officer must affirm to the suspect that his rights will be protected and Miranda warnings must be given once the hostage is release
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Issues Trial, Communication Association, Incident Report, Eyewitness Evidence, , Institute Justice, Colwell Leach, Ethical Issues, Arresting Suspect, Ginet Py, eyewitness evidence, hearing impaired, law enforcement, eyewitness evidence 1999, technical eyewitness, police officer, evidence 1999, technical eyewitness evidence, et al 2007, communication association, national communication, crime scene, al 2007, national communication association, communication association 2008,
Approximate Word count = 1606
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)
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