CRJ 294 - CJ Communication Strategies

1. Demonstrate an understanding of effective communication skills
   1. Identify the basic communication process
   2. Explain the value of empathic listening and effective feedback
   3. Delineate verbal and non-verbal communication 
2. Examine the purpose of the differing types of interviews, such as ones with suspects, defendants, clients, witnesses, victims, or informants
   1. Describe the three basic steps of an interview, to include planning, conducting, and recording
   2. Describe techniques used to document an interview
   3. List characteristics of interviews and interrogation
   4. Explain circumstances in which Miranda warnings apply
3. Distinguish between a well-written criminal justice report and a poorly-written report
   1. Summarize the elements of a fair, accurate, complete, and concise report
   2. Explain written reports such as reports of investigation, reports of violations, case file notes, field notes, or other types of reports
   3. Describe the presentation of a report in a variety of criminal justice settings
4. Determine types of criminal justice legal proceedings in which testimony may be required
   1. Explain the functions of administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings
   2. Describe the differences between depositions, hearings, grand juries, trials, sentencings, and revocations
5. Investigate the judicial proceedings for which testimony is important
   1. Explain the different types of testimony which may be provided by witnesses, laypersons (opinion), and experts
   2. Describe how witness statements, arrest reports, incident reports, pre-sentence reports, and violation reports are used in court proceedings
   3. Understand the duties and responsibilities for testifying 
6. Demonstrate the ability to conduct an interview and document the interview
   1. Choose the appropriate communication strategy involving a suspect, defendant, witness, and/or a victim
   2. Prepare a criminal justice report based on a practical exercise involving a suspect, defendant, witness, and/or a victim
7. Demonstrate the ability to testify effectively in a criminal justice matter involving a report prepared by the student
   1. Display proper demeanor and attire for court testimony
   2. Demonstrate the proper technique for answering questions while testifying
   3. Determine knowledge of the facts and circumstances documented in a criminal justice report 
8. Evaluate ethical and legal considerations when working in criminal justice
   1. Identify relevant caselaw, statutes, and other guidance for criminal justice professionals
   2. Understand the ethical obligations and consequences of false reporting and testimony