Communication Barriers

Communication is a two way process of transmitting and receiving verbal and nonverbal messages and the exchanging of ideas and information. Communication is considered effective when it achieves the preferred response from the receiver. Communication is defined as "a process involving several steps, among two or more persons, for the primary purpose of exchanging information". (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). There are five components through which communication can be effective: Transmitting an idea, sending the idea through a medium, receiving the message, understanding the idea, and providing feedback to the message sender. Transmitting an idea is the formation of expressing thoughts and ideas. Sending the idea through a medium is transmitting ideas by action, writing, or oral. Receiving the message means the message must be sent for effectiveness. Understanding the idea, the message must be clear and easy for the receiving party to understand. Providing feedback to the message sender is the last step in the communication process and indicates that the message was understood or needs clarification. Feedback is the process that allows persons transmitting information to correct and adjust messages to adapt to the receiver. Without the use of these important components, the communication processes becomes inaccurate and not flow smoothly. Hearing is the first step in the communication process. Listening and hearing are not perceived as the same meaning, one must be an active participant in the communication process for effectiveness." Hearing requires very active participation. You can listen to sounds, but to hear what the person means , and what they are trying to explain to you takes being receptive at many levels is hard work" (Dunn, 2004). For active listening, one must assess the meaning before they react. Since a persons thought speed is much faster than the speaking speed, "the lag between the two processes can result in daydreaming" (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). The value to becoming an effective listener in the law enforcement field one must know that it enhances the investigative function, and improves the relations with both coworkers and the public itself. Building communication skills is an important aspect to your emotional intelligence and will increase your success and happiness within the law enforcement field and your personal life.

Formal channels of communication are a traditional method of communication within the criminal justice organizations that follow the chain of command. Formal communication is illustrated by formal orders, directives, and written memorandums. Such forms of communication provide a sense of stability, order, and security within the criminal justice system. While there are disadvantages and advantages to formal communication, the disadvantages of formal communication consist of the "rigidity restricts spontaneous ideas and thought" (Wallace& Roberson, 2009). An advantage for formal communication is that it ensures uniformity within the criminal justice organizations with the clear and concise nature of the message and is a necessary form of communication for any field in the criminal justice organization. Informal channels of communication "do more than serve as a conduit for idle gossip, they provide a needed link within the organization" (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). An informal communication example would be for police officers and detectives speak about a crime scene and remember details that were not reported. Formal and informal channels of communication enable movement of information within a criminal justice organization.

"Barriers are influencing factors which impede or breakdown the continuous communications loop. They block, distort, or alter the