Read Me First (CJ Specific)



Week Two Read Me First

Speaking and writing in the criminal justice system

INTRODUCTION

Writers often fail to communicate the foundation or essence of a written idea. Instead, they may only focus on specific details of the event. Without setting the proper context, written material may seem confusing or may convey an entirely different meaning. Writers must understand that readers may lack prior knowledge of the written material and must be introduced to basic concepts before proceeding to the specifics. A written document is often read by other parties or read at different times, which may not reflect the same point of reference. Accordingly, context is vital in written material.

With the advent of electronic communication, the importance of grammar has become even more essential. Many electronic forms of written communication include shortcuts and avoid proper grammar in favor of space or ease. The discussion this week provides examples of how shortcuts may create misunderstandings.

In addition to writing effectively, criminal justice professionals are often called upon to deliver presentations or speeches. This could vary from a press release to an interdepartmental presentation. Regardless of the venue, it is important that proper grammar and tone are used to ensure the correct message is received.

This Week in Relation to the Course

In criminal justice, written communication often accompanies verbal and nonverbal communication. A common example is a verbal interview of a witness by a law enforcement officer and the subsequent filing of the officer’s written report. This written report is often a summary of the interview and does not include the details of demeanor, setting, lighting, emotional moods, voice inflections, dress, presence of others in relation to the interview, and past events that might affect the witness’s recollection or provided history. This is a short list of the factors that might affect an interview, and yet the written report is key for all other criminal justice professionals to proceed forward. Tying the concepts of verbal communication to the written form sequentially is the next step in the system.

Discussion of a Key Point, Thread, or Objective

Familiarize yourself with the following key terms:

• Grammar

• Public speaking

• Media relations

• The right to know

• Operations reports

• Administrative reports

• Field notes

• Report writing

Practical Applications and Questions

The ability to communicate effectively is an essential skill for police officers, correction officers, and other people working in a criminal justice setting. You must be able to communicate effectively in a variety of situations, such as testifying in a courtroom, making public announcements to the press, and communicating to coworkers, inmates, and the public. (Wallace & Roberson, 2009) To ensure personal credibility, communication must be concise, intelligent, and accurate.

As you complete the readings and assignments for this week, consider the importance of spoken and written communication in a criminal justice setting, how improper communication can affect a situation, and what you can do to improve your verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

How Tools, Readings, and Simulations Help Solidify Concepts

The text reviews the essentials of grammar and spelling. It is important to recognize that everyone misuses grammar and misspells words; however, many people use idioms and colloquialisms—common in everyday speech—in their writing, which lose their meaning when translated into another language. It is important, therefore, to focus on this material rather than skim the basic concepts. The chapter on writing works with the chapter on grammar, extending the basic concepts from the written word to sentences, paragraphs, and concepts. It is important to recognize that police reports are one basic function of the written process in the criminal justice setting. Other figures in the criminal justice setting write from different perspectives and for different reasons.

Summary

Proper writing is an essential skill, because it helps the reader understand the content. Writers sometimes fail to communicate the foundation, or essence, of the written idea. Instead, writers may only focus on specific details of an event. Taken out of context, the written material may seem confusing or may convey an entirely different meaning.

References

Wallace, H., & Roberson, C. (2009). Written and interpersonal communication: Methods for law enforcement (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

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