The efficacy of interpersonal skills in contemporary policing: are police adequately prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century?
Year: 2012
Type: report
Abstract: Statement of ProblemIt is argued that many of today's police are substantially ill-prepared in meeting the demands within contemporary policing philosophies (Linfoot, 2007(Linfoot, , 2008)).An area of much criticism rests with their ability to effectively and efficiently communicate within their areas of official responsibility with significant impact to overall performance at combating crime and countering terrorism.Within this realm, numerous areas with direct and indirect relationship to interpersonal and communication skills are explored and examined as possibly being contributory toward police communicative deficit.Some researchers argue recruiting, selection, and hiring practices do not adequately identify those possessing adequate interpersonal skills (Decicco, 2000;Means & Lowry, 2011;Means, Lowry, & Conroy, 2011a, 2011b;Ortmeier & Meese III, 2010), while other research demonstrates notably absent consideration for interpersonal and communication skills assessment (Henson, Reyns, Klahm IV, & Frank, 2010;Sanders, 2003Sanders, , 2008;;White, 2008;White & Escobar, 2008).Other scholars allege inadequate interpersonal and communication training of personnel is contributory (Meadows, 1987;Walters, 2003;Woods, 2000), while others argue higher education is the remedy to this inadequacy (Dominey & Hill, 2010;Ortmeier & Meese III, 2010;Paynich, 2009;Schmalleger, 2009). Research MethodsSecondary data as well as review of related empirical, theoretical, practical findings, and observations is analyzed to examine the efficacy of interpersonal skills among law enforcement personnel.Additionally, information stemming from research, data, and publications from v accredited journals, textbooks, and websites in other disciplines to include but not limited to psychology and interpersonal communications is presented.Additionally, observations and professional experiences is relied upon to assess application and limitations of the available research relevant to this paper.A brief examination of two interpersonal communication theories with relevance to police will be conducted.The subsequent findings are then utilized to determine the possible existing needs within policing agencies.Based on this analysis of collective information within this study, conclusions and recommendations regarding interpersonal and communication skills among police are presented. Summary of ResultsThe results of this study clearly demonstrates the increased need for interpersonal and communication skills and abilities and training among frontline officers.Clearly, there are deficits in these areas virtually impacting every facet and level of policing and threatening the overall efficacy of law enforcement efforts.To begin, agencies must clearly define their policing philosophies and then develop and promote recruitment, selection, and hiring strategies to complement agency missions, goals, and objectives.Emphasis should be placed on hiring the best qualified candidates possessing the necessary qualities, characteristics, and skills consistent with agency objectives.Ample consideration should be given in the areas of higher education and interpersonal communication skills.Once hired these officers must be provided adequate and appropriate training in proper fashion so as to produce an immediate viable working entity for success in a contemporary vi policing environment.At the pinnacle of this training, should be interpersonal communication skills which will be more readily and often utilized in service than any other.In conclusion, contemporary policing requires more community-and problem-oriented abilities and must fulfill any number of civil servant roles from community advocacy to mediator to counselor to arresting official while maintain an air of compassion, understanding and empathy.To be effective and successful, frontline police must possess attributes consistent with independent functioning while exhibiting skills and traits that have historically been reserved for leadership.Today, police must master a vast array of technical, cognitive, and affective skills while particularly excelling in communication and interpersonal skills.
Author: Michael Bryant
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2900354119