Law Enforcement Communication Tactics

Effective Communication in Law Enforcement

• Key concepts in effective communication in law enforcement: Respect, SAFER, LEAPS, and strip phrases
• Respect: treating someone the way you would want to be treated, even if they are not worthy of your respect
  • RE in Latin means "to give back"
  • Respect is a tactical operation that law enforcement must show to all people at all times

SAFER Principle

• SAFER stands for five situations where words may fail:
  • Safety: when the safety of the officer or others is threatened
  • Attack: when the officer or another is attacked
  • Flight: when a suspect flees from lawful custody
  • Excessive repetition: when verbal options are exhausted and no compliance is forthcoming
  • Revised priorities: when a matter of higher priority requires immediate attention

LEAPS Principle

• LEAPS stands for five steps in professional communication:
  • Listen: to the person's concerns
  • Empathize: with the person's perspective
  • Ask: open-ended questions to clarify concerns
  • Paraphrase: to ensure understanding
  • Summarize: to confirm understanding

Strip Phrases

• Strip phrases are used to deflect insults and redirect conversations:
  • Examples: "I appreciate that, but...", "I understand that, but...", "Sorry you feel that way, but..."
  • Phrases should be used in pairs or more to be more effective

Mushin Concept

• Mushin means "no mind" or "still center"
• It refers to the ability to remain calm and non-biased in communication
• Key to effective communication: disinterest and an open-minded officer

Types of People

• Three basic types of people:
  • The nice guy: will comply with requests regardless of how they are treated
  • The difficult person: will normally comply but may take more than one attempt
  • The wimp: agrees to comply but may file a complaint later

Effective Communication Phrases

• The most powerful communication phrase: "Let me be sure I hear what you just said"
• Followed by a paraphrase clarification to ensure understanding
• Phrases to never say to anyone:
  • "Come here"
  • "You wouldn't understand"
  • "Because those are the rules"
  • "It's none of your business"
  • "What do you want me to do about it?"
  • "Calm down"
  • "What's your problem?"
  • "You never..." or "You always..."
  • "I'm not going to say this again"
  • "I'm doing this for your own good"
  • "Why don't you be reasonable?"

Eight-Step Car Stop

• Steps to avoid verbal conflict and maintain control:
  1. Greeting: initiate contact with a proper greeting
  2. Identification: identify yourself and department
  3. Reason for the stop: explain why the vehicle was stopped
  4. Justification: ask the violator if they have a legal reason for the violation
  5. Secure necessary papers: request driver's license, proof of insurance, and registration
  6. Clarification: verify information and ask questions
  7. Decision: decide whether to issue a summons or warning
  8. Close: conclude the vehicle stop by explaining how to handle the summons

Five-Step Hard Style of Tactical Communication

• Steps to address verbally hostile individuals:
  1. Ask: basic request
  2. Set context: explain the legal ground for the request
  3. Present options: offer alternatives
  4. Confirm: ask if the person will cooperate
  5. ACT: take action if the person refuses to cooperate

Practical Application

• Recruits will practice the eight-step car stop and role-playing exercises
• Evaluations will be based on the use of the eight-step car stop and the ability to project control and self-assurance.