Defenses

1
Defenses

• Charles L. Feer, JD, MPA
• Bakersfield College
• Criminal Justice

2
Defenses

• Insanity
• Statute of Limitations
• Self Defense (Use of Force)
• Entrapment
• Immunity Against Self Incrimination
• Diplomatic Immunity

3
Self Defense

• Force must be in proportion to the threat.
• Threat must be imminent (at hand, near)
• Bare Fear alone is not sufficient. Must be
  accompanied by over act.
• Previous threats not sufficient for deadly force
  response.

4
Self Defense

• Deadly force may not be used in defense of
  property only.
• Instigator of aggressive behavior has no right to
  self-defense.

5
Justice System Members

• The Court System handles the trial process.
  This process can result in various outcomes
• Case is dismissed by the judge
• Suspect is found not guilty
• suspect is found not guilty and one f the
  following punishment is imposed
• Fine
• Placed on diversion
• Placed on probation
• Sentenced to a correctional facility/alternative
  sentencing

6
Justice System Members

• Members of the Court System
• Judges who administer justice in a fair and
  impartial manner by applying the facts to law
• Prosecuting attorneys who prosecute persons
  accused of crime and protect public rights and
  privileges
• Defense attorneys who defend the accused and
  defend the rights and privileges of citizens

7
Justice System Members

• Corrections is responsible for the supervision
  of convicted and sentenced offenders. An
  offender may be
• Supervised on probation in the community
• Released and supervised on parole
• Held in custody of a correctional facility for
  rehabilitation

8
Justice System Members

• Members of Corrections
• Deputy probation officers who supervise convicted
  offenders in the community under certain
  conditions established by the court
• Parole officers who supervise offenders released
  from prison, but while offenders are still under
  continued custody of the state
• Correctional officers who supervise convicted
  offenders while they are being held in a
  correctional facility

9
California Court System

• WESTEC/North Kern Training Centers
• P.C. 832 Arrest and Firearms

10
California Court System

• The purpose of the court system is to insure the
  rights of individuals, protect society, and
  settle disputes.
• According to the United States Constitution the
  judicial power of the United States shall be
  vested in one Supreme Court and such inferior
  courts as Congress may deem necessary.
• California has a similar court system containing
  trial courts and higher courts to listen to
  appeals from lower courts. The State Supreme
  Court is the highest court in the state.

11
California Court SystemTrial Courts

• Municipal Courts are the lowest court in the
  system. They are set up to handle less serious
  crimes and minor civil disputes. Municipal
  courts
• Have jurisdiction in minor civil cases
• Handle misdemeanor crimes
• Handle infractions
• Handle preliminary hearing

12
California Court SystemTrial Courts

• Superior Courts are general trial courts of
  unlimited jurisdiction. All cases are tried in
  these courts except those which the legislature
  says must be tried in the Municipal or Justice
  Courts.

13
California Court SystemTrial Courts

• Superior Courts
• Try all felony cases
• Handle all juvenile cases
• Act as appeals from lower courts
• Try certain misdemeanor cases not suitable for
  lower courts, such as juvenile delinquency and
  child neglect cases

14
California Court SystemAppellate Courts

• District Courts of Appeal are established to
  relieve the Supreme Court of heavy case loads
  involving appeals from lower courts.

15
California Court SystemAppellate Courts

• District Courts of Appeal
• Handle all appeals from Superior Court except
  those where the death penalty has been assessed.
  Rulings are binding on all trial courts and peace
  officers under the appellate courts jurisdiction
  

16
California Court SystemAppellate Courts

• The State Supreme Court is the highest court in
  the state. Its rulings are binding on all other
  state courts and peace officers throughout the
  state.

17
California Court SystemAppellate Courts

• The State Supreme Court
• Handles appeals from the District Court of Appeal
• Automatically accepts death sentence appeals from
  Superior Courts

18
Judicial Process

• Misdemeanor Prosecution
• Court of Jurisdiction
• Municipal
• Violation
• Misdemeanor

19
Judicial Process

• Misdemeanor Prosecution
• Bail/Own Recognizance (O.R.)
• The offender is then released on bail or O.R.
• Bail can be money, bond, or any other form of
  security accepted by the court to secure the
  release of the defendant. Bail guarantees the
  defendants appearance in a specific court to
  answer charges. Bail is fixed by the court, must
  be reasonable, and may be increased or reduced by
  a judge

20
Judicial Process

• Felony Prosecution
• Via True Bill Indictment
• Court of Jurisdiction
• Superior
• Grand Jury
• The D.A. presents evidence of a crime to the
  Grand Jury. The Grand Jury hears and reviews
  evidence. When the Grand Jury believes an
  individual has committed a specific felony, an
  indictment True Bill is issued.

21
Judicial Process

• Felony Prosecution
• Via Arrest
• Court of Jurisdiction
• Superior
• Arraignment in Municipal Court
• The first court appearance is usually within 48
  hours at an arraignment. The defendants are
  brought to the Municipal Court and informed of
  the charges against them, advised of their
  constitutional rights, and asked to enter a plea.
  A date for tjr preliminary hearing is also set
  

22
Judicial Process

• Felony Prosecution
• Via Arrest
• Bail
• Instead of being held in custody until the
  preliminary hearing, the defendant may post bail.
  Bail may occur before or after arraignment on a
  felony charge.

23
Judicial Process

• Felony Prosecution
• Via Arrest
• Preliminary Hearing
• A hearing is held in the Municipal Court to
  decide if there is enough evidence to order the
  defendant to stand trial. The purpose of the
  hearing is to screen felony cases before they go
  to trial in Superior Court. At the preliminary
  hearing, the D.A. must present sufficient
  evidence to show that a crime has been committed,
  and that the defendant appears to have committed
  that crime. A jury is not present at this
  hearing, but all rules of evidence are in effect.
  

24
Judicial Process

• Felony Prosecution
• Via Arrest
• The judge may do one of three things at a
  preliminary hearing
• Dismiss some or all the charges
• Hold the defendant for trial in the Superior
  Court
• Reduce the charges from a felony to a misdemeanor

25
Judicial Process

• Felony Prosecution
• Via Arrest
• Superior Court Arraignment
• If the defendant pleas guilty, a penalty is set.
  If the defendant pleas not guilty, a date for
  trial is set.

26
Judicial Process

• Felony Prosecution
• Via Arrest
• Trial
• This is a formal, judicial examination and
  determination of issues between parties in a
  felony criminal case, the parties are the people
  of the State of California on one side, and the
  accused offender on the other.
• Evidence is presented by the prosecuting attorney
  to prove whether or not the defendant is guilty
  of the charges. A jury or judge determines
  whether the defendant id guilty or nor based upon
  the evidence presented

27
Knowing Your Community

• WESTEC/North Kern Training Centers
• P.C. 832 Arrest and Firearms

28
COMMUNITY ATTITUDES AND INFLUENCES

• There are a number of actions you, as a peace
  officer, can take to positively influence the
  attitudes of members of the community, your
  family and friends. Maintaining a visible
  presence in the community, and communicating to
  your family and friends the importance of your
  role in the community will not only set a good
  example, but will reassure them that you are a
  well-trained officer committed to effectively
  serving the public. This also holds true in a
  controlled community where inmates/wards are the
  general public.

29
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• A community looks to its peace officers to
  perform certain services maintain order,
  prevent crime, educate the public, and enforce
  the law.

30
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• MAINTAIN ORDER
• Actions you should take
• Patrol in a highly visible way. It lets the
  public see you, the peace officer, as an
  ever-present force, discouraging criminal
  activity.
• Maintain the public peace. This includes
  handling domestic or public disputes.
• Manage civil disturbances. This includes dealing
  with opposing factions during strikes,
  demonstrations, and work stoppages.
• Enforce state laws, and city, county and district
  ordinances.

31
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• PREVENT CRIME
• Actions you should take
• Reduce the source of crime by educating potential
  offenders about the risks of crime
• Reduce criminal opportunity through officer
  vigilance
• Encourage the public to be on the alert for
  potential crimes Crime Prevention Units and
  Neighborhood Crime Watch programs decrease the
  occurrence of crime
• Interact with established organizations such as
  church groups, civil boards, fire fighters,
  social workers, hospitals, and youth groups, to
  educate them about crime prevention

32
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• PREVENT CRIME CONT.
• Actions you should take
• Use specialized patrols for high crime areas
• Take reports and analyze them to determine crime
  patterns for selective law enforcement programs
• Observe and report behavior in controlled
  settings, such as prisons, jails, and juvenile
  detention facilities
• Arrest suspects for violation of statutory law
• Collect and preserve physical evidence at a crime
  scene or make sure that it is done
• Testify in court
• Interact with other law enforcement agencies to
  share information about cases

33
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• PREVENT CRIME CONT.
• Actions you should take
• Interact with other law enforcement agencies to
  share information about cases
• Assist other agencies, such as community mental
  health and social work agencies
• Follow the directions of court orders, warrants,
  and any other official documents
• Restrict activities and movement in controlled
  settings when necessary

34
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• EDUCATE THE PUBLIC
• Actions you should take
• Meet with people who work and reside in the area
• Inform them about local crime patterns
• Let them know how they can protect themselves
• Involve individuals in community based policing
• Talk to individuals and speak at community
  meetings
• Establish a flow of communication by telling
  people who you are and how you serve them as a
  peace officer

35
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• EDUCATE THE PUBLIC CONT.
• Actions you should take
• Utilize the news media to disseminate timely
  information to a wide audience or a specific
  audience
• Teach courses on the law and its implications at
  both the high school and college level

36
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• ENFORCE THE LAW
• Ensure that laws are enforce, including these
• Statutory laws (written law)
• City and county ordinances
• Orders of the court
• Departmental policies
• Several factors can influence the enforcement of
  law
• Number of officers available
• Types of crimes which are given priority
• Possible conditions set forth in federal grants
  and state and local government funding

37
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• ENFORCE THE LAW CONT.
• Be fair and impartial in enforcement.
• Enforcement decisions are based on the law, the
  courts interpretation of the law, departmental
  policy, and your own good judgment
• Enforcement decisions are not based on personal
  prejudices or attitudes

38
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• ENFORCE THE LAW CONT.
• To effectively enforce the law, you should know
  your patrol area or area of responsibility. Be
  familiar with these aspects of your area
• Size
• Boundaries
• Interconnecting routes for traffic directions
• Nearest emergency services
• Cultural makeup of its residents, including
  traditions, habits, and lifestyles

39
PEACE OFFICERS ROLES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

• ENFORCE THE LAW CONT.
• Analyze crime trends and report to local, state,
  and federal governments on these aspects
• The frequency of crime
• The possible locations of future crimes
• The types of crimes

40
COMMUNITY ISSUES

• You are a member of your community, in constant
  contact with your family, friends, schools,
  media, and so on. How will becoming a peace
  officer affect these relationships? Your actions
  and lifestyle can help produce results beneficial
  to all.

41
COMMUNITY ISSUES

• FAMILY
• Considerations
• A peace officers job is dangerous. Your family
  worries about losing you.
• The demands of your job may make your family feel
  lonely, isolated, or afraid.
• Your job may require difficult hours or secrecy,
  which may make your family feel frustrated and
  left out.
• Work in certain departments, such as Vice or
  Narcotics, may affect your social or family
  relations.
• Peace officers are sometimes seen as
  unapproachable.

42
COMMUNITY ISSUES

• FAMILY CONT.
• Actions
• Live with a positive attitude. You are a highly
  skilled and well trained professional.
• Help your family learn how important your role is
  in the community.
• Participate in school and community activities
  with your family.
• Take advantage of counseling services, if
  available.
• Be a friendly neighbor or acquaintance.

43
COMMUNITY ISSUES

• FAMILY CONT.
• Results
• Your confidence is shared and is helpful to your
  whole family.
• Your pride and commitment are felt and shared by
  your family.
• You share time together and feel like a family.
• You maintain your own mental health, as well as
  the health of your family and the stability of
  your professional life.
• Dispels the misconception that peace officers are
  totally isolated.

44
COMMUNITY ISSUES

• SCHOOLS
• Considerations
• Students may distrust peace officers since they
  often lack the opportunity for positive contact.
• Actions
• Speak to student groups on topics such as crime
  prevention or drug education
• Results
• Students get to know you in a relaxed
  environment, as an individual who fairly and
  impartially enforces the law.

45
COMMUNITY ISSUES

• MEDIA
• Considerations
• Some agencies may require communication through a
  media liaison. Remember that cases in progress
  must not be discussed.
• Actions
• Refer the media to the appropriate source of
  information in a pleasant manner. Know all
  departmental regulations concerning the release
  of information.
• Results
• Security is maintained, peace officers are
  protected, ongoing operations are not interrupted
  and the case is not in danger of being tried
  unfairly.

46
COMMUNITY ISSUES

• FRIENDS
• Considerations
• You are in constant contact with criminals, and
  may take on their traits, language and
  mannerisms.
• The public is aware of your activities, even when
  you are off duty.
• Actions
• Associate with people outside law enforcement
  work.
• Select friends and acquaintances with care.

47
COMMUNITY ISSUES

• FRIENDS CONT.
• Results
• Helps you maintain a proper balance and
  perspective, while avoiding isolation from the
  mainstream of society.
• You will be known as a respectable person of good
  moral character.

48
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEACE OFFICERS

• A number of factors influence how different
  people view you as a peace officer. Be aware of
  these factors and respond in a positive manner.
  When interacting with the public, here is a good
  guide for peace officers to follow.

49
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEACE OFFICERS

• THE COMMUNITY
• Things to Consider
• Community attitudes toward the criminal justice
  system may be affected by many factors
• Socio-economic conditions
• Cultural make-up
• Past law enforcement/community relations
• Sensitive situations, such as rapes, kidnappings,
  or hate crimes
• Media coverage

50
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEACE OFFICERS

• THE COMMUNITY CONT.
• Things To Do
• Promote yourself in a positive light by getting
  involved in community activities such as athletic
  events.
• Participate in or attend at festivals, cultural
  celebrations, ethnic arts shows or recitals.

51
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEACE OFFICERS

• SUSPECTS, VICTIMS, AND WITNESSES
• Things To Consider
• Individuals may have an unrealistic opinion of
  you. Individuals base their opinion of peace
  officers on several factors
• Their past experience
• Their prejudices
• Peer influence
• Media Coverage
• Rumors

52
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEACE OFFICERS

• SUSPECTS, VICTIMS, AND WITNESSES CONT.
• People involved in incidents may be in a highly
  emotional state. They may be fearful, angry, or
  mentally unstable.
• These individuals can act in ways that are
  frustrating and sometimes dangerous.

53
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEACE OFFICERS

• SUSPECTS, VICTIMS, AND WITNESSES CONT.
• Things To Do
• Treat people in a professional manner.
• Respond promptly and courteously to all calls.
• Dont let a bad experience on one call affect
  your judgment on another.
• Be sensitive to a victims needs and concerns.
• Control your emotions and temper.
• Consider your safety at all times when dealing
  with individuals.

54
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEACE OFFICERS

• YOUR AGENCY
• Things To Consider
• The policies and regulations of your department
  have many influences on how an employer perceives
  you
• The directions of legislative and elective groups
• The law, which changes frequently
• The Code of Ethics
• The communitys expectations
• The level of funding available

55
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEACE OFFICERS

• YOUR AGENCY CONT.
• Things To Do
• Know and abide by departmental policy,
  regulations, and directions.
• Enforce the law impartially.
• Conduct yourself according to the Code of Ethics
  on and off duty.
• Be aware of directions given by
  legislative/elective groups which influence your
  agencys activities.
• Be aware of recent changes in the law which
  affect your job.

56
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEACE OFFICERS

• YOUR PEERS
• Things To Consider
• Your peers attitudes toward you have several
  influences
• Your education and training
• Your use of interpersonal communications skills
• Preconceived notions and stereotypes about your
  job

57
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEACE OFFICERS

• YOUR PEERS CONT.
• Things To Do
• Take advantage of training activities.
• Practice effective communication techniques.
• LEARN ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY
• Your knowledge of your community influences your
  ability to perform effectively.

58
COMMUNITY GROUPS

• Peace officers work with many different groups
  of people, each with its own set of folkways and
  values. Although one can spend years learning
  how to interact effectively with the diverse
  people in our complex society, each group does
  have its own particular needs for law enforcement
  service.
• Rather than think in terms of peace officers as
  we and other community groups as they,
  consider that your mission is to provide
  effective service to all members of your
  community.

59
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS

• To effectively communicate with different groups
  they must be identified by their cultural and
  socio-economic group characteristics.

60
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS

• IDENTIFYING CULTURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROUP
  CHARACTERISTICS
• Distinct cultural and socio-economic, or
  behavioral groups can be identified in the
  following ways
• Dress
• Language speech patterns
• Physical appearance
• Values
• Family structure
• Customs
• Body language
• Reactions to stress

61
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS

• IDENTIFYING CULTURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROUP
  CHARACTERISTICS CONT.
• Eating styles and food preference
• Ways of dealing with common problems
• Traditions
• Physical or developmental disability
• Race
• Sex
• Age
• Ethnic origin
• Religion
• Sexual orientation

62
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS

• INTERACTING WITH MEMBERS OF A GROUP
• Once a different cultural or socio-economic
  group in your community has been identified, your
  communication should encompass the following
• Respect the differences within groups
• Be aware of special needs and customs regarding
  community services.

63
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS

• INTERACTING WITH MEMBERS OF A GROUP CONT.
• Consider your safety at all times when dealing
  with individuals
• Examples
• Southeast Asia has customs about who speaks in
  whose presence. Peace officers interacting with
  such a community group should honor the chain of
  command and speak to the senior person present.
• A deaf person may not be able to communicate
  well without an interpreter present. An officer
  attempting to get a statement from such a person
  may need to request special assistance.

64
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS

• OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
• Problem
• Existing attitudes of the community toward
  police officers may build barriers to
  communication.
• Fear
• Dislike
• Distrust

65
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS

• OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION CONT.
• Solution
• Actions of peace officers can help to break down
  barriers to
• Always treat people in a professional manner.
• Respond promptly to any calls
• Be courteous to all persons contacted
• Avoid pre-judging based on previous experience
• Dont underestimate individuals based on
  appearance
• Maintain emotional self-control at all times

66
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• An informed officer will respond more
  appropriately in any given situation. Base your
  responses on your awareness of folkways or values
  of members of your community.

67
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP RACIAL
• Folkways or Values
• May be unaware of police services or may distrust
  authority and tend to avoid police and solve own
  problems.
• May be suspicious of other races and customs.
• May have specific customs defining relationships
  and social contact.

68
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP RACIAL CONT.
• How You Should Respond
• Be sensitive to racial differences and customs.
• Be aware of histories of racial conflicts.
• Be aware of the possibility of violence resulting
  form misunderstanding of social customs of
  others.

69
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP ETHNIC
• Folkways or Values
• May be unaware of police services and may
  distrust persons of other nationalities.
• May be suspicious of authority and community
  services due to differing civic, political, and
  social relationships or traditions.
• May feel alienated due to language barriers.

70
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP ETHNIC CONT.
• How You Should Respond
• Be aware of past ethnic histories and
  relationships.
• Be sensitive to ethnic differences and pride.
• Appreciate difficulties of non-English speakers
  and offer translators if available.

71
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP MALES AND FEMALES
• Folkways or Values
• May have strong reactions to treatment perceived
  as patronizing or condescending.
• May feel hostility toward those of opposite sex
  particularly if they have been victimized by
  someone of the opposite sex.
• May be hypersensitive about the safety and
  well-being of children.

72
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP MALES AND FEMALES CONT.
• How You Should Respond
• Develop a positive way to communicate with those
  of opposite sex.
• Be aware of signs of violence committed against
  females, and know when to bring in a female
  officer or counselor.
• Appreciate concerns about children and provide
  help and information about resources.

73
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND LIFESTYLES
• Folkways or Values
• May feel misunderstood by the larger community
  because of differing sexual preferences and
  lifestyles.
• Tend to congregate for specific activities or at
  particular places which may increase
  vulnerability to crime.

74
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND LIFESTYLES CONT.
• How You Should Respond
• Be aware that gay men, lesbians, transvestites,
  and transsexuals have higher victimization rates
  than average.
• Develop patrol patterns to minimize gay
  bashing, or other crimes against these groups.

75
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP ECONOMIC STATUS
• Folkways or Values
• The poor may have negative views of the criminal
  justice system based on past experiences with
  criminals and criminal behavior.
• The poor may be ignorant of their rights and
  legal procedures. They may seek immediate,
  temporary gratification, not knowing their legal
  rights to other, more valuable or useful
  services.
• The rich may seek more than their share of
  polices services.

76
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP ECONOMIC STATUS CONT.
• How You Should Respond
• Be aware that many poor become victims of crime
  since they live in areas which tend to have
  higher crime rates.
• You may be the only source of legal information
  to the poor.
• Provide equal protection and service to all
  economic classes.

77
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP ELDERLY
• Folkways or Values
• May be intolerant, suspicious of others, and feel
  neglected by the rest of society.
• May retain attitudes and customs from earlier
  times.
• May feel vulnerable and unable to exercise basic
  freedoms.

78
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP ELDERLY CONT.
• How You Should Respond
• Be aware of signs of abuse and neglect of senior
  citizens.
• Have sympathy with the ways and habits of the
  elderly.
• Assure them that their rights are being respected
  and enforced.

79
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP YOUTH
• Folkways or Values
• May challenge authority through actions and
  speech.
• May be unaware or not accept the bounds of their
  capabilities.
• May be unaware of criminal elements in society.
• May distrust adults due to past or current abuse.

80
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP YOUTH CONT.
• How You Should Respond
• Develop effective means to communicate with
  minors.
• Be aware of potential dangers they might cause to
  themselves or others.
• Develop vehicle and foot patrol patterns to
  protect children in public places such as parks.
• Be aware of signs and conditions of child abuse.

81
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP PHYSICALLY DISABLED
• Folkways or Values
• May be very sensitive about their disabilities.
• May expect to fully participate.

82
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP PHYSICALLY DISABLED CONT.
• How You Should Respond
• Be aware of the disabled persons need to be
  accepted as a person.
• Enforce fully the laws designed to provide equal
  access to disabled persons, e.g. handicapped
  parking, ramps, and elevators.

83
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
• Folkways or Values
• May display signs of disorientation in society,
  particularly if previously institutionalized.
• May have attitudes and emotions similar to those
  of a young child exhibiting, for example,
  disruptive or bizarre behavior.
• May distrust and be timid of others due to
  discrimination or abuse.

84
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CONT.
• How You Should Respond
• Be watchful of the actions of these people and
  take extra safety precautions on their behalf.
• Appreciate the difficulties and characteristics
  of these individuals.
• Be aware of signs of abuse and neglect of these
  citizens.

85
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP RELIGIOUS
• Folkways or Values
• May feel misunderstood.
• Tend to congregate for religious services.
• May have strong reactions to government
  interference.

86
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GROUP RELIGIOUS CONT.
• How You Should Respond
• Develop a positive way to communicate with
  different religious groups.
• Develop patrol patterns to minimize crimes
  against these groups.
• Appreciate concerns about religious values,
  customs.

87
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• When interacting with the community, a peace
  officer must provide these to all
  cultural/socio-economical groups and individual
  members the following
• Patience, understanding and respect
• Professional law enforcement based on an
  objective examination of facts
• Knowledge of available community resources
• Protection of all persons civil rights

88
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• SUMMARY INTERACTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
• Interacting With The Public
• When interacting with the public, here is a good
  guide for peace officers.
• Know your community groups
• Know your community attitudes toward law
  enforcement
• Know the cultural customs or your different
  groups
• Know your departmental policies and guidelines
• Know yourself

89
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• SUMMARY INTERACTING WITH THE COMMUNITY CONT.
• Agency Policies Guide Officer Interactions
• A peace officers actions while interacting with
  different cultural or socio-economic groups must
  be guided by their agency policies, procedures
  and regulations.
• Abide by all agency guidelines
• Enforce the law impartially
• Be aware of current changes in the law
• Comply with the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

90
LEARNING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

• GENERAL GUIDELINES
• Be patient with all persons.
• Be familiar with the resources available to
  members of each of these groups.
• Remember that persons may respond negatively to
  you because of past discriminations.

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COMMUNICATIONS
92
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

• Communication is the sending and receiving of
  messages, both verbal and nonverbal, between two
  or more persons.
• To communicate effectively, the message the
  sender gives should equal the message the
  receiver gets.
• Feedback is the receivers response to the
  message, which tells the sender whether the
  receiver has an accurate understanding of the
  message.
• As you communicate, be watchful for feedback
  that tells you how your message has been received.

93
COMMUNICATING AN ATTITUDE

• FACTORS WHICH ELICIT A NEGATIVE RESPONSE
• Officious and Oppressive Manner and Tone of
  Voice
• An oppressive manner is loud, intrusive, and
  overbearing.
• What does an oppressive manner do?
• It discourages communication
• It discourages feedback
• It broadcasts an attitude of insecurity
• You will never really be able to know all that
  is going on in a situation if your contacts
  resent your oppressive manner.

94
COMMUNICATING AN ATTITUDE

• FACTORS WHICH ELICIT A NEGATIVE RESPONSE
• Disrespectful Attitude
• How does a disrespectful attitude interfere with
  good communication?
• It alienates the members of your community
• It conveys a lack of understanding and sympathy
• It shows personal prejudice an cultural bias

95
COMMUNICATING AN ATTITUDE

• FACTORS WHICH ELICIT A NEGATIVE RESPONSE
• Negative Body Language
• Negative body language that indicates you are
  hostile to, or ignoring a person, can be a
  serious block to communication.
• What does negative body language do?
• It makes a poor impression on all observers
• It may escalate a sensitive situation
• It may contradict what you are saying verbally

96
COMMUNICATING AN ATTITUDE

• EXAMPLES OF NEGATIVE NON-LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION
• Gestures
• Signalling Stop! with your hand
• Pointing at the person
• Glancing at your watch
• Facial Expressions
• Sneering
• Frowning
• Poor eye contact

97
COMMUNICATING AN ATTITUDE

• EXAMPLES OF NEGATIVE NON-LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION
  CONT.
• Physical Expressions
• Clenching fists to the side to show anger
• Crossing arms across the chest as a form of
  protection
• Shrugging shoulders
• Tone of Voice
• Sarcastic, sneering
• Officious, overbearing

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COMMUNICATION DIFFICULTIES

• The first rule of effective communication is
  that the lines of communication must be clear of
  interference. How do you keep the lines of
  communication clear?
• By conveying an attitude of self-confidence,
  professionalism and an understanding of the
  situation
• By portraying a caring attitude
• By being attentive to what is being said, and how
  it is being said. This also helps you maintain
  your own personal safety
• By using language and vocabulary appropriate to
  the situation