CJS 1210 Communication Relations

Description

Communication Relations synthesizes the concepts of interpersonal communications to allow students to better understand human behavior and verbal communications. The students will develop an understanding of barriers that can occur to effective communication due to the types of situations peace officers work in. Students will examine and relate ways to effectively interpret, comprehend, and deliver verbal communication in order to effectively carry out peace officer duties.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

None

Corequisite

None

Topics to be Covered

1. Communication

2. Ethical Reasoning

3. Critical Thinking, Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving

4. Decision Making and Discretion

5. Recognizing and Valuing Diversity and Cultural Differences

6. Crisis Intervention and Mental Illness Crises

7. Conflict Management and Mediation

8. Persons in Crisis Response

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to successfully identify the knowledge base, respond to and properly handle all tasks associated with the following Professional Police Officer Education (PPOE) Learning objectives required by the Minnesota POST Board:

1.1.1.     Describe how perception, sympathy, empathy, compassion and respect affect peace officer communication.

1.1.2    Identify common barriers to clear communication, including language, stress, bias, and insufficient cultural understanding, and apply effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to enhance interpersonal communication.

1.1.3    Describe and demonstrate active listening skills including paraphrasing, reflecting meaning, and summarizing understanding to obtain and clarify information.

1.1.4    Demonstrate reading comprehension skills necessary in law enforcement including: the ability to differentiate between facts, opinions and propaganda, understanding sequencing of events, and recognizing cause and effect.

1.1.5    "Demonstrate practical reading comprehension skills for law

enforcement by distinguishing between facts, opinions, bias, and propaganda, understanding event sequencing, and identifying cause and-effect associations."

1.3.1    Demonstrate an understanding of models of conscious processes, including critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving, and apply them to generate innovative and logical strategies in team discussions or propose recommendations or solutions to various enforcement-related issues per Minn. Stat 626.8455.

1.6.6    Discuss how family dynamics and communication methods, both verbal and non-verbal, vary between cultures and how recognition of these variances can benefit officers and communities.

2.22.1  Discuss the role of peace officers in managing and de-escalating hostile situations including how the attitude and expectations of an officer influences responses in crisis situations.

2.22.2  Describe anger/conflict management strategies useful to officers in resolving problems that arise in law enforcement settings.

2.22.3  Identify strategies and de-escalation techniques officers may use to manage conflict, reduce anger, and improve communication and cooperation and de-escalate volatile or hostile situations.

2.22.4 Distinguish between characteristics of passive, aggressive, and assertive behavior.

2.22.5 Discuss body language behaviors that signal potential conflict escalation.

2.22.6 Explain the principles of crisis intervention/negotiations.

2.22.7 Demonstrate basic knowledge of abnormal psychology.

2.22.8 Explain various communications techniques that may be effective in a crisis situation and how techniques may vary depending on whether the situation involves mental illness, substance induced behavior, or other causes.

2.22.9 Explain when to yield crisis management to other authorities.

2.22.10 Explain strategies that may be employed when hostages are involved in  a crisis situation.

3.4.1 Discuss how conflict management strategies depend on the situation and various strategies that may be useful in resolving situations involving individuals dealing with mental illness or, substance use.

3.4.2 "Model reasonable and effective conflict management strategies and
skills intended to de-escalate volatile situations including:
- assessing and interpreting body language that is indicative of escalation or de-escalation of volatile situations, and
- using of situationally appropriate communication strategies."

3.4.3 Model reasonable and effective dispute mediation strategies and techniques.

3.13.48 "Discuss what an officer should know, behaviors an officer should demonstrate, and communication tactics officers may find useful when interacting with a person struggling with a mental illness to maximize safety and more effectively approach a crisis situation including :                                                                        - why it is important to gather as much information as possible before arriving at a situation involving a mental health crisis,

- why it is important to respond in pairs and when to involve a mental health crisis response team if possible,
- why, unless the situation is immediately dangerous/critical, officers should not challenge or violate personal space and try to eliminate noise and distractions,
- the advantage of having one officer take lead in communicating, and
- the importance of having patience, building rapport and demonstrating compassion."

3.13.49 "Given situations involving individuals demonstrating signs and/or characteristics of mental illness, behavioral disorder or suicidal intentions requiring intervention, demonstrate appropriate intervention techniques that are likely to be beneficial in managing the situations (Minn. Stat. 626.8455) including:
- modeling behavior that shows the importance of putting safety first, staying alert and the danger of complacency or taking anything for granted when dealing with an individual experiencing a mental health crisis,

- unless situation appears immediately dangerous/critical, avoiding challenging or violating personal space,
- trying to eliminate noise and distractions,
- having one officer take lead and open communication from a safe distance,
- using communication techniques designed to de-escalate volatile situations including:
  o being patient, calm, honest and compassionate,
  o using active listening skills while not encouraging or agreeing with delusions,
  o using a calming voice, and
  o avoiding challenging questions and allowing for venting."

Credit Details

Lecture: 4

Lab: 0

OJT: 0

MnTC Goal Area(s): None