The document by Jean Reynolds, Ph.D., discusses the importance of diversity in law enforcement and provides communication strategies for effectively engaging with individuals from various backgrounds and circumstances. Key recommendations include making eye contact, using a normal voice, and approaching individuals with respect and professionalism, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations. It emphasizes the necessity of understanding and accommodating the unique needs of people, advocating for effective communication methods such as using interpreters and being sensitive to individual challenges.

1. Dealing with Diversity in
Law Enforcement
by Jean Reynolds, Ph.D.

2. Dealing with Diversity in
Law Enforcement
by Jean Reynolds, Ph.D.

3. Police calls
often require
you to take
control of an
emergency or
crisis.

4. In these situations, you need to
establish your authority quickly.

5. But other
situations require
a different
approach...

6. …focusing on
sensitivity and
professionalism.

7. For example, you might be interviewing
a victim who’s afraid to talk to you…

8. …a hospital patient…

9. …a child…

10. …a person with
limited English…

11. …or someone with another challenge.

12. Diversity is a
fact of life
today, and you
can expect to
meet a wide
range of people
in your law
enforcement
career.

13. Here are some tips that can help you
become an effective communicator:
1. Make eye contact.
2. Use your normal voice.
3. Know how to deal with people in special
situations, such as persons who are deaf or blind,
have a physical disability, or aren’t fluent in
English.
4. Make professionalism and respect your priorities.

14. 1. Make eye contact.

15. Sit down or bend your knees when
talking to someone in a hospital bed…

16. …a child...

17. …or a person seated in a wheelchair.

18. -Talk directly to
the person
you’re
interviewing, not
a family member
or caregiver.

19. -Don’t say, “Did
your mother
hear anything
suspicious?”
-Say, “Did you
hear anything
suspicious?”

20. 2. Use your
normal voice.

21. Shouting doesn’t help!

22. Resist the temptation
to raise your voice
when you talk to
someone who’s
visually impaired or
doesn’t speak English
well.

23. If you’re having
communication
problems, look
for a solution.

24. Strategies to try:
-Ask for an
interpreter.
-Switch to
writing.
-Slow down!

25. 3. Know how to deal with people in
special situations.

26. Some people who are deaf are highly
skilled at lip-reading.
Speak naturally, and make sure the
person you’re talking to can see your
mouth.

27. A person who’s
blind may
appreciate help
navigating an
unfamiliar place…
but ask first.

28. Gently steering
the person’s
elbow can be
helpful.

29. Never pet or play
with a service
animal.

30. 4. Make professionalism and respect
your priorities. In sensitive situations,
think before you speak and act.

31. Never use slurs
or offensive
language.
Respect people
who may be
different from
you because
they’re
hearing-impaired…

32. …visually-impaired…

33. …sitting in a wheelchair…

34. …gay, bisexual, or transgender…

35. …or diagnosed with a condition such as
AIDS…

36. …or autism.

37. Some useful guidelines:
-Avoid intrusive questions when you
meet someone different from yourself.

38. -Anticipate the needs of others. For
example, persons with autism may be
upset by loud noises and flashing lights.

39. -Respect the intelligence of everyone
you talk to, regardless of age, ethnicity,
physical challenges, or lifestyle.

40. -Don’t fool yourself into thinking that
“different” means “inferior.”

41. You can learn additional communication
skills by purchasing Police Talk…

42. …available for purchase at
www.Amazon.com.

43. And be sure to visit
www.YourPoliceWrite.com for help with
report writing.

44. All the resources there are FREE:
www.YourPoliceWrite.com.