Unit 7: Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills is defined as the ability to effectively interact with both coworkers and the public. Being able to communicate and socialize with all types of people is a critical component of the job of a Law Enforcement Officer. The success of the job is dependent upon one’s ability to interact with everyone. Good interpersonal skills allow a Law Enforcement Officer to gain trust and confidence from co-workers and the public.

Assertiveness can be best defined as the ability to present ideas positively and to demonstrate appropriate command presence when necessary. Assertiveness can be thought of as the ability to present one’s self with confidence and authority.

Stress tolerance is defined as the ability to deal effectively with the day to day stressors of police work. The work that a Law Enforcement Officer does can be extremely stressful because it can be dangerous and uncertain. Thus, Agents and Officers must be able to cope with these stressors in a productive and effective way so that their work does not suffer.

Ethics and integrity are the ability to uphold both the letter and the spirit of the law; to deal honestly with others and uphold a strong moral code; to do the right thing. Law Enforcement Officers must do everything in their power to enforce the law and protect the public. A Law Enforcement Officer must be ethical and fair in his/her duties.