Communications—general discussion

This chapter provides an overview of the concept of communication. It presents Adler and Towne's communication model that explains basic communication difficulties. Sergeants and inspectors, and other police leaders, have to communicate effectively with officers under their command, peers, seniors, other agencies and members of the public. Thus, a sergeant or inspector leader’s performance can be understood through the completion or failure of tasks. The chapter discusses official and social communications as the major levels of communications emphasised and managed in the workplace. It cites that leaders can learn specific skills, such as interpersonal skills and assertiveness skills, to improve the communication process.