Communication channels and barriers in criminal justice organizations

¶ … Communication in the criminal justice system

The process of communication entails the passage of information between individuals. This flow of communication, however, has its principles. The principles include the need of effective channel of communication, message, and the sender. It is also vital for receivers to comprehend the message. In organizations, communication takes a formal and informal approach. Formal approaches to communication in organizations include the use of business memos, letters, and newsletters. On the other hand, an informal channel of communication relates to those channels of communication, not under management's control. This mode of communication refers to grapevines and other unregulated channels of communication in organizations. Successful criminal justice system organizations should have good communication structures. Flow of information in such organizations need to flow from up down and down- up.

However, current workload and tasks at the judicial justice systems have negative implications on communication channels. For centuries, communication systems have transformed to modes that are more sophisticated. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that modes of communications are not of great importance. An important aspect of communication implies to the ability of a sender to pass meaningful information to the receiver (Stohr & Collins, 2013). It is important that the receiver understands one's message and intentions. Therefore, one can say that communication is the process of exchanging ideas, information via a channel from the sender to the recipient. In an organization setting, one can tie communication to the premise that ensures passage of expectations (Eaton, 2009).

This information sharing with the receiver intends to gain something. According to Stohr & Collins (2013), Different channels of communication are in use in criminal justice institutions. These modes of communication infer to the use of verbal techniques, symbols, body language, or use of electronic platforms. Organization structures entails that, organizations use formal and informal channels of communications. Although informal approaches are not important in the passage of core principles, they have value in management. Formal communication includes transmission of policies, procedures and in relaying information from training manuals. Informal communication, on the other hand, relate to one-on-one communication between employees (Stohr & Collins, 2013). With all of the influences, communication has on an organization, it becomes imperative for one to consider other diverse variables. One should track the importance of communication to the criminal justice system.

It is also important to illustrate different fronts in organizations, where communication flows. In the process of communication, various barriers to communication emerge. These barriers to communication have an impact on the outlay of information flow. Therefore, it is important for organizations to minimize such barriers in order to reach their ultimate communication goals (Eaton, 2009). Consideration on communication channels and procedures ensures that organizations shape their mode of operations. Communication, therefore, is a human relation principle of managing organizations. Therefore, for decades the criminal justice system has adopted various human relation principles.

Communication is one of such principles, and the criminal justice organizations use diverse perspectives and techniques in enhancing communication. It is also important to note that it is a presumption that a formal communication come from top-down. One needs to recognize that formal communication often has structures. Thus, information flows in organizations, vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Moreover, modern organizations as well as criminal justice organizations have moved to use human relation principles. Therefore, communication is important in criminal Justice organizations. Slight shifts in communication channels for such organizations might have disastrous consequences. Minimization of such consequences might include the use of best practices and participation of other players in the field (Eaton, 2009).

Purpose of communication

According to Stohr & Collins (2013), the criminal justice organization and its management team undertake communication schemes for different reasons. Each function or purpose of communication contributes to organizations overall strategy. Communication is advantageous since it protect its mission and policy strategies. The importance of communication includes the need to offer training, educate, motivate, and unite workers. Communication is used to solve problems in such organizations; assist in persuading and in stimulating performance. These processes of communication may involve the use of different medium. This may imply simple conversation between colleagues to the use of sophisticated elements (Eaton, 2009). Organizations have seen the importance of communication; that is why one might see an organization employing different modes of communication styles.

In the past, criminal justice organizations employed communication systems that were slower than modern methods. There is a paradigm shift in communication structures for organizations. It is further prudent for one to understand that some previous methods of communication still apply in modern transactions. Evolution of computers and electronic gadgets has made organizations transform into Information technology points. There has been an increase in use of Smartphone application use, use of the internet and other electronic devices in organizations as opposed to hardcopy materials (Stohr & Collins, 2013). In correctional facility officers, monitoring inmates might use communication channels to motivate and advice inmates. In the case of a judge, communication might have crucial implication on decision of cases.

Police officers in the criminal justice system use communication to offer instructions to other officers. Such officer may further use communication networks in discouraging crime. Pathologists, on the other hand, use communication to inform investigation officers of their evaluation. Details on death by the pathologist assist the investigation team prosecute cases easier. It is, therefore, important for pathologists to construct information relevant for the case. These information needs to be understood. The opinion on the case needs to be in-line with their area of practice. In presenting their findings, a pathologist needs to express all relevant information according to the area of practice (Eaton, 2009). Social workers and other workers of the criminal justice may use communication channels in order to solicit for information, to solve problems and to mediate. The other importance of communication to the criminal justice system relates to its purpose in correction policing.

However, the reasons of communication vary between organizations and in relation to situations. Looking at the jail system, there are complains of verbal harassment on younger inmates. Reports from these institutions indicate that younger inmates undergo various verbal attacks from older inmates. These scenarios might lead to the younger prisoner's feeling more threatened, which might have destructive consequences in the management of such facilities. Communication further, includes interrogations that take place in police stations. Police use interrogation techniques of communication to suspects to extract information. Although there has been complains concerning police harassment during interrogations, interrogations yield valuable information for prosecution of cases (Eaton, 2009).

Communication Challenges within Groups

By observing, these elements of codes of conduct criminal justice organizations management teams ensures provision of quality services. In respect to communication across boundaries of organizations, there are different aspects to consider. These aspects include influence of culture, internal politics, and other functions. Across the organizational boundary while relating to criminal justice system, might imply interactions between different organizations (Eaton, 2009). For example, these might be communication between the police and member of the judiciary; or the police and the Juvenile court. In such a circumstance, communication takes the attributes of a formal system.

In some instances, such communication takes an informal approach. However, internal politics and other variables, make it hard for organizations to forge formidable communication systems. The causes of such problems stems from the perception of individuals on sharing goals. Staff member in these organizations would rather concentrate on his tasks than assist in sharing goals. Other challenges to integration of teams relates to personnel's not willing to cooperate. One should not forget that individuals in leadership positions in such organizations might be on constant war struggles thus influencing communication. Cross-organizational communications in criminal justice organizations, illustrates interactions between the criminal justice agencies. Such agencies include the jail institution, police, investigating teams, pathologists and other stakeholders (Stohr & Collins, 2013).

Barriers to communication

Barriers to communication for criminal justice institution differ from situation and channel of communication. According to Stohr & Collins (2013), these barriers relates to physical aspects, personal influences and technical aspects. Therefore, in order for an organization to promote communication consideration needs to be on eliminating its barriers. In relation to personal influence to communication, members of staff might have their own preconceived idea on the subject. These would influence information one receives. On the other hand, emotions might influence ones judgment (Stohr & Collins, 2013). In relation to organizational structures, use of complex structures in the criminal justice system would be a de- motivator. Other influences on the organizational structure include information overload and poor organizational climate. Therefore, organization needs to institute strategies and develop frameworks for ensuring effective communication systems in the criminal justice system.

The Myres- Briggs Personality Test

Myers Isabel developed an instrument for measuring personality. The instrument measures personality using personality type indicator. Through extensive steps, experiments and trials, the proponent of the theory states that there are sixteen personality attributes for one to choose. Therefore, this theory assists organizations in identifying personality characteristics of its staff. It is then important for organization to use these personality indicators in improving and pairing personality traits (Stohr & Collins, 2013). Through such strategies, organizations are able to overcome various communication barriers. Organizations will be able to diagnose their communication styles, assist in teaming, fulfilling social and family goals for employees. The police, judicial and other players in the criminal justice organization need to use personalized meaning. The use of such techniques assists in eliminating barriers to communication.

Interpersonal and organizational Communication

Organizational communication relates to a form of communication channel used by an organization to reach a wider target. Interpersonal communication on the other hand, relates to a form of communication where information flows between a group of people or individuals. Organizational communication relates to interaction between teams in an organization. For example, in the criminal justice correctional facility, communication takes place between a senior warden and teams of officers.

Organizational communication tends to lie more on the formal side. This meaning that they use formal channels of communications such as memos, letters, and emails. Interpersonal communication additionally relates to communication between co-workers. This type of communication channel tends to have a personal touch. Communication can either be of a verbal or non-verbal nature. Non-verbal communication does not involve use of word of mouth. It occurs via signs, gestures, and postures. Such forms of communication assist police units during raids and in interrogations. Verbal communication, on the other hand, relates to the use of words.

Influence of Leadership

According to Stohr & Collins (2013), Leadership has an important influence in communication. Organizations with leaders who value communication ensure that organization processes cater for communication needs. Leaders, therefore, need to be intelligent and creative. While advocating for changes in communication, organizational leaders need to consider other factors too. For example, when a Sherriff in a town wishes to institute a criminal justice strategy, it is important that the person consider different aspects of the law and codes of ethics. Moreover, influence of leaders is not only on policymaking. Leaders should motivate followers and communicate correctly.

How to improve Communication

Despite all the barriers to communication, organization may institute strategies aimed at eliminating such aspects. To eliminate the barriers to communication because of structural barriers, criminal justice organizations need to develop strategies. Such strategies include creating a balance between work and leisure for employees. Organization might also assist its employees avoid personal prejudices through, offering training facilities, and in motivating employees (Stohr & Collins, 2013). Other barriers to communication relates to government interventions. For a pathologist, parole officer, jail officers, and other officers of the criminal justice; laws and codes of ethics play a part in job performance. Therefore, in order for these organizations to perform their duties professionally, consideration on laws and codes of conduct is important. Such influences motivate employees as well as promote communication awareness.

Ways of enhancing communication

There are various ways of enhancing communication between team members in a criminal justice organization. For example, a unit of Police needs to enhance their communicating effectiveness. New recruits to the police unit undergo different training sessions for specific purposes. Through their interactions, members of staff get opportunities to team up. Therefore, in order to enhance good communication in organizations, teams need to undergo training programs. Members of such organization in addition need to be encouraged to form teams (Stohr & Collins, 2013).

Another problem that affects communication in diverse organizations is the lack of effective listening skills on the part of workers. In order to improve the learning skills of employees, the management team needs to institute training programs. The organizations need to develop frequent and efficient mode of communicating to workers. Such an organization may employ the use of newsletters or company email systems (Eaton, 2009).