Police Officer Communication Essay

Throughout a police officer’s career, they will encounter an unending list of different situations. The scenario for every call for service will inevitably be different, conversely, the one thing each will have in common is the communication. The ability to effectively communicate with others is pertinent to a successful law enforcement career. The Police Services Study researched nearly 6000 cases of police and citizen interactions, including interviews, giving directions, as well as traffic stops to name a few, indicating communication played a key role (Cordner, 2016).

The police administrator of a department would need to vet applicant’s using several measures to ensure they hire the best candidate for the positions. The use of aptitude testing is an ideal area to begin the process of choosing qualified candidates. Additionally, applicants would need to submit to a background and social investigation. The investigator would research the criminal background of the applicant as well as interview neighbors, previous employers as well as coworkers. This process will reveal how the candidate conducts themselves in everyday interactions with others. An individual who conducts themselves unbecoming of a police officer, as well as one who has poor communication skills, would not be considered to fill a position with the department.

The majority of police officers are honorable, consequently, there are some that present themselves just the opposite. During my career, I have worked with officers like this, those that as soon as you hear they are coming to assist, you want to tell them not to come. The officers that start their shift ready to hook someone up through instigating a fight using poor