Diverse Population Communication in The Criminal Justice Environment

Answer

Diverse Population Communication in The Criminal Justice Environment

The various levels of the criminal justice system have people with diverse cultures, values, and customs. As such, it is vital to adopt communication strategies that can ensure effective interactions with the different populations (Doss et al., 2014). However, communication in the criminal justice environment is dynamic and it is key to take measures that can address the different language and situational barriers that may hinder effective communication. Communication dynamics in the criminal justice environment may lead to language and situational barriers than can be overcome through measures such as the use of language assistance technologies and non-verbal communication techniques.

Elements of Communication Dynamics

Communication is a dynamic process that encompasses elements such as the sender, recipient, communication channel, and communication ideas. The element of the sender refers to the conveyer of the message. The aim of sending a message in communicating is to pass information and ideas to another person, otherwise known as the recipient (Chung, 2017). A sender is also known as the communicator. The element of the recipient refers to the person who is intended to consume the sent message in an interaction. The receiver takes the message and tries to encode it in the best possible manner to attain the desired goals of the communication process (Chung, 2017). However, the message being transmitted from the sender to the recipient must pass through the element of the communication channel. As such, the channel/medium of communication is the pathway through which the message is transmitted. It could be via a text message or face-to-face conversations. Communication ideas constitute the subject matter of the conversation. For instance, they include the views, suggestions, and opinions of the communicating parties.

Methods for Overcoming Language and Situational Barriers

            In a criminal justice environment, language barriers and situational barriers can be overcome by the adoption of methods such as using language assistance technology, using interpreters, using visual communication, and adopting a plain language. Notably, according to Neuliep (2020), communication in a criminal justice environment is likely to be faced with various challenges in language differences between the different actors. However, the use of language assistance technology can ensure easier translation from one language to the other and hence, overcome language barriers (Doss et al., 2014). Additionally, enlisting interpreters who will provide translation services can also make sure that there is effective communication. One of the effective ways in which language barriers can be overcome is the use of visual methods of communication such as sketching down points and using non-verbal communication technologies (Balogh & Salaets, 2015). Also, in the criminal justice system, some of the parties have no comprehension of the legal jargons and other vocabularies. As such, the use of plain language by the communicating parties can resolve the issue of language barriers. Situational barriers can be overcome when individuals take personal initiatives to understand the languages of others and thus, gain increased competency about those they will communicate with in the criminal justice system.

Ways of Communicating with People Who Have Different Customs and Values

            When engaging in an interaction with people who may have different customs and values, some of the ways in which communication could be effective is via the use a shared language, learning about the different cultures and values, encouraging feedback, and considering the physical and human setting in the circumstances. Although the differences in the customs and values may also indicate linguistic differences, using a shared language among the different groups of people can ensure that the interactive process is successful (Balogh & Salaets, 2015). Additionally, it will be vital for the communicator to learn about the different cultures and values of the people and thus, adopt a communication strategy that will not offend such values and customs. For instance, the choice of words during the communication process will be key to ensuring that the communication process is effective (Neuliep, 2020). Moreover, it is key to determine both the human and physical settings and thus use strategies intended for the specific settings (Doss et al., 2014). Finally, encouraging feedback from such people will be vital because they will feel part and parcel of the interaction as opposed to mere receivers of information. Implementing these strategies will lead to effective communication even when interacting with people with diverse customs and values.

In sum, communication is a dynamic process that encompasses the elements of sender, recipient, communication channels, and ideas. Some of the barriers that may be encountered when communicating in a criminal justice environment include language and situational barriers. However, overcoming these issues can be easily done when language assistance technologies are adopted. Additionally, enlisting interpreters can make language translation easy and hence, ensure effectiveness in communication. Also, the use of non-verbal communication techniques can make interactions with diverse populations easier. However, when interacting with people who may have different customs and values, using a shared language and learning about the correct words and phrases to use can ensure good interactions with the diverse populations.