Improving Nonverbal Communication in Criminal Justice

Knowing the key nonverbal communications a subject offers in an interview gives the interviewer the understanding of the accuracy regarding the conversation that is occurring.

The interviewer looks for signs and symptoms of truthfulness. The subject may exhibit nonverbal behavior such as shifting arms, legs and feet which convey a message of deception.

Also by the subject not leaning forward this also depicts that he or she is not being entirely truthful.

When the interviewer notices body changes such as fight or flight responses, there is a good indication that the information is of value in interviewing it further. The interviewer may get closer to the subject to lessen the personal space between the subject and him or herself to determine truthfulness and clarity of the information being provided.

Body language is very important depicting the truthfulness of the information being provided. When arms are folded tightly around the chest it is a signal of defiance or refusal to share the appropriate information. The interviewer at this point will continue to survey these elements during questioning of the subject.

The eyes are helpful in determination of truthfulness and deceit. Rapid eye blinking is associated with deceitfulness.

When responding in anger the subject will furrow his brow and this an important time to vigorously continue with the particular line of questioning since the subject is responding in anger and is off guard.

Subjects use delaying tactics in order to not respond or delay responses to questioning while being deceitful in doing so. The officer interviewing the subject will continue with the line of questioning being fully aware regarding this nonverbal communication barrier.

A good interviewer creates high levels of anxiety during the interview while asking questions of the subject. This invasion of personal space programs the subject to provide the desire information in a cooperative manner. An individual finds it difficult to lie in this situation.

Understanding nonverbal communication includes knowing the individual’s speaking styles and therefore understanding his or her nonverbal communications. This may be difficult when there are other situations involved such as a mental impairment, drugs or alcohol use, when the subject is a child or elderly person, and when there is an unfamiliar nationality involved .regarding its interpretation. The interviewer needs to be sensitive to all these issues to determine the truthfulness involved in the information being provided by the subject.

Much research has been conducted in an attempt to understand nonverbal communication, and most studies have produced similar findings.

Body movements, personal distance, facial color, facial expressions, and

paralanguage offer insight into a subject’s truthfulness

There are ways to build strong communication skills regarding an interview.

Establishing and maintainingeye contact is important. Appropriate eye contact indicates interest and credibility. In using posture the interviewer should lean forward, sit or stand erect, and look alert so that interest is shown toward the subject. Reducing and eliminating physical barriers is established by removing desks, chairs and any other barriers. Stepping out from behind a desk unless interrogation is occurring, can also serve in obtaining information unless the desk is serving an environmental purpose. Decoding skills are important in the interview process also. Watching facial and body language is important in processing and comprehending the entire message. If noticeable nonverbal cues occur regarding the spoken message politely seek more information as probing is also important. The understanding of a situation or culture is important before determining nonverbal assessments. This will avoid assigning nonverbal meanings out of context.

Contradicting verbal messages with body language, vocalics, gestures, etc., creates the potential for misunderstandings between the officer and the public.

Understanding of information regarding nonverbal communication is important and the criminal justice professional needs to first understand miscommunication prior to the realization of understood communication. Nodding of the head is a clue to the understanding of the information being shared between the interviewer and the person being interviewed. One should avoid the belief that nonverbal behaviors mean the same across all cultures; and you should refrain from stereotyping individuals based on nonverbal qualities.

The only way to improve your skill and enhance your ability to reach the truth is to work with others who are more experienced in the interpretation of nonverbal behaviors.

References

Grubb R. & Hemby, K. (2003, October). Effective Communication for Criminal Justice

Professionals. Retrieved December 14th, 2007 from

https://axiaecampus.phoenix.edu/classroom/materials/classroom.aspx