Communication in Policing

Communication is an important factor in policing, whether the officer is in the streets or in the office, communicating with the public is critical in law enforcement. Police officers confront all types of individuals with different race, cultures, ages, backgrounds and ethnicities; so effective communication with them all is a necessary quality. In the office environment, communication helps police officers to understand and support goals and visions for their agency and several other agencies.

Internal police communication is a goal for any agency; it achieves agreements between all members of the department. This type of communication is what makes it all work and holds the agency together, it is the base for common action and it provides understanding of setbacks or accomplishments that police officers may have in their daily schedule. It will involve sharing information to prevent crime activities, this includes circulating pictures to all officers and agencies so whoever may come across the wanted individual can arrest him/ her. Internal police communication involves the telegraph, telephone and radio; this can also be communicated by meetings, fax, email and written memos; such as police reports.

Police work requires coordination and communication with different police agencies. The objective for interagency communication is to build a well- coordinated response when it comes to emergencies. One of the most reliable resources of communication in law enforcement is the wireless systems. The problem is funding different communicating bands needed for the agencies; these systems only rely on radio frequencies, which depend on availability and compatibility.

Advancements to technology within the criminal justice system have a significant effect on the courts, policing and corrections. For example, the field of forensic science has improved evidence detection, gathering and analyzing. Computer software provides positive effects in efficient police work, and corrections receive advancement by the production of specialized devices, such as ankle tethers. Information sharing systems continue to advance. Information sharing systems continue to advance. These systems known as Law Enforcement Information Systems (LEINs) provide officers with current information that is useful in the field and during investigations. License information, photos, criminal history and warrants are made available to assist police work. Databases are being updated constantly with new information. New databases have been designed with information from the Department of Corrections. These sharing systems improve overall communications between the divisions of the criminal justice system. Forensic science has developed testing for DNA, which allows a forensics team to match DNA and identify those involved in a crime, whether they are a criminal or victim. Scientists are constantly looking at ways to improve the testing procedures. For example, advancements