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 the hearing impaired man must be reassured which requires a calm demeanor and a friendly, open countenance. Interacting with the gang members requires the presentation of authority as well as strength. Overall, the officer must appear to be in charge of the scene, confident and not overbearing, and empathetic which can be conveyed through facial expressions, a friendly touch, and kind words.
Interviewing the young child requires the police officer to stoop to the physical level of the child and to refrain from overly leading que...