Read Me First

CJA/304 Version 4

Week Five Read Me First

COMMUNICATION WITH DIVERSE GROUPS AND SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Introduction
This week, you may use the techniques and information you learned in previous classes to put
the objectives of this class into perspective. The tools you learned are important when working
with special groups including the elderly, people with learning disabilities, and especially children
contacted through the criminal justice system. Depending on the focus of the communication and
the setting in which the communication takes place, these techniques may be used to meet
criminal justice goals.
This Week in Relation to the Course
By the final week, you have mastered a foundation of communication, grammar and syntax, the
interviewing process, and the importance of technology in communication and its relationship to
the criminal justice system. All these objectives are important in understanding the principles of
the course.
Discussion of a Key Point, Thread, or Objective
Familiarize yourself with the following key terms:

Tension relievers
Harmonizers
Gatekeepers
Americans with Disabilities (ADA)
Critical Incident Negation Team (CINT)
Language Barriers

Practical Applications and Questions

Criminal justice personnel often communicate with people from diverse backgrounds who speak
different languages and who vary in their communication abilities. Knowing how to communicate
effectively with people from diverse backgrounds is an essential skill you must develop as a
criminal justice professional. Clear communication is vital and can make a difference in policing
practices, courtroom settings, and correctional facilities. As you work on the readings and
assignments this week consider the predominant diverse backgrounds in your community. How
can you alter your communication style to ensure your message is received by the diverse
populations?
How Tools, Readings, and Simulations Help Solidify Concepts
The text reviews the dynamics of communication with special groups, explores the
communication process of small groups and teams, and delves into special forms of
communication, such as conflict resolution. These additional objectives are connected to the
principles of communication with special groups and communication in the criminal justice
process in general. You may find this information helpful in understanding class objectives related
to special groups and other individuals in different settings. This information may provide a
foundation for a review of all previous materials in the course.
Summary

Copyright 2013 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

Read Me First
CJA/304 Version 4
Communication is a vital component in a criminal justice setting and in all other facets of life. In
the criminal justice setting, you may communicate with a variety of people with different cultural
and societal backgrounds. Communication with individuals who are vastly different from you may
be difficult; however, following the basic strategies you learned in this course will help ensure that
your intent and meaning is not lost and that communication is effective.

Copyright 2013 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.