Knowledge concerns may impede communication by preventing an officer from asking for clarification. This failure to request necessary additional information is based on an officer’s belief that it is an admittance of inferiority. The officer believes that by questioning further about a task, duty or procedure he may present himself as unworthy or less knowledgeable to other officers. Many officers believe that lacking knowledge in a given area is a sign of weakness and that it might later be used against them (p. 67). 

A second common barrier to communication is built upon fear of negative response. A desire not to offend or displease others, especially those in the higher ranks. This fear of reprisal will prevent an individual from speaking out with their own input especially if it is one which is not in keeping with popular opinion.  It will hinder the group decision making effort if an officer does not put forth their own opinion.  As a Supervisor it is important to continually stress to the subordinate group that the popular response to a situation is not always going to be the best response and everyone should have an opportunity to make their own suggestions when the situation necessitates a group decision making process.

Environmental influences will be the most common obstacles in communicating on the job. Whether communication is a face-to-face situation or a ten-code that was unintelligible each time what is said is not completely understood the safety of everyone becomes a factor in the line of duty.  Pronouncing all words clearly and slowly will better facilitate understanding amongst the group. In face-to-face communication, body language and individual physical cues will aid in comprehension of the spoken word. Non-verbal cues are impossible in radio transmission so be sure if at all possible to transmit from a strong signal area to prevent misunderstandings. Ask for clarification when what is said runs the risk of being misinterpreted.

Two areas which will prove difficult for communication is between intercultural exchanges where different languages is a factor and serves as  barriers and the hearing impaired  where one individual does not possess the adequate ability to hear as well as others. Always be sure to use gestures and body language when an interpreter is not available to facilitate the exchange.  For hearing impaired, the use of written language is also appropriate.  The intercultural barrier will prove most difficult in taking statements from witnesses in the field and can prove the most stressful short of a bullet but it can also be very useful in developing human skills based on the development of instinct and the art of listening.

The physical barrier of intercultural exchanges and inability to hear and comprehend will test the patience and commitment of most officers. Just as difficult to overcome will be the “psychological barriers which are based on an individual’s beliefs, judgments, values, needs, life experiences, emotion, education, training and goals”(p. 68). It should be stressed to everyone that while each may hear the same statement in the same situation the differing traits among individuals will result in different interpretations based on perspectives or expectations.

Another example of a psychological barrier to communication is recognized when what is said can have a variety of different meanings. A common phrase, for instance, “I’m going to kill you for what you did” may have multiple meanings.  This might be a threat or a joke depending on the context. This is an example of semantics where one word or phrase can and does have multiple meanings. By realizing these barriers and remaining committed to the goal or task at hand, these barriers which hinder and block oral communication can be overcome. Any factor that slows the information exchange   can be overcome with a great deal of patience and determination. Without patience the barrier will become a stumbling block.  Impressing upon subordinates that many times what they take away from a situation is dependent on what they bring to it can further develop the human skills necessary in a police environment. It sometimes must be overstressed to an officer the need to acquire a working knowledge of common witness semantics and phrases in order to identify the key words or phrases necessary to the extraction of information. “Effective communication can only take place when the actual symbolic meaning of words is shared.”