Criminal Justice Communication Flow of Essay

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Horizontal communication is the proverbial 'grapevine' of information, such as gossip between partners. The exchange of information through horizontal channels can impact morale, but not always department policy, at least not as swiftly as in downward or even upward modes of communication. Also, although the power relationships between officers of the same rank may theoretically be clear-cut, this is not always the case -- popularity and reputation can influence the degree to which information is given credence through these horizontal channels. A popular officer who frowns upon racial profiling, for example, will have more influence than an officer who is widely disliked.

Frustrations about not being heard through the channels available in the upward communication process, or miscommunication of message or emotional intention in the downward communication process are common and frequently create interpersonal obstacles that hamper positive change and efficient operations. Confusion may also be rife if there are apparent contradictions between the message conveyed through the different channels: the force as a whole may be admonished by the police commissioner about the need to protect suspects' constitutional rights, but officers' direct supervisors may advocate a 'tough on crime' position and more lax enforcement of such laws. Officers will be confused about which policy to uphold, and this will create resentment as well as inconsistent police actions.

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Horizontal communication may likewise thwart the top-down message -- if officers collectively reinforce a lackadaisical attitude towards a suspect's 4th Amendment's prohibition against unreasonable searches, this may carry more real weight than supervisor's stress on the need to do so, in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Of course, power ambiguities and nuances are a part of the communication process itself, not simply within the communication that takes place in the context of the criminal justice system. But because there is an illusion that the law pertains to 'just the facts' officers may overlook the influence of subjective aspects upon their decision-making. Officers are not immune to subconscious influences: The body language of a partner in silent horizontal communication can influence whether a police officer is suspicious of someone he or she is questioning. Preexisting perceptions and assumptions can cause a supervisor to stereotype a defendant or even an officer, and taint his or her message, if he or she is speaks with evident disdain or discomfort. Communication is inevitably influenced by the personality of the individual and only through greater awareness of the potential hazards inherent to the communication process, can a truly seamless chain of communication be created within the criminal justice system.

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