Preface

The success of the first edition has provided us with the opportunity to improve the text. As noted in the first edition, three individuals with differing backgrounds in the criminal justice system have combined their experience in writing this text. One has experience as a defense attorney, another is a former prosecutor and city attorney, and the third is a chief of police. Their varied backgrounds provide the reader with a broad-based approach to communication in the law enforcement profession.

The main purpose of this book is to improve your communication skills, both oral and written. A secondary purpose is to improve your ability to complete the reports and forms commonly used in the criminal justice system. The best way to improve communication skills is by practicing those skills correctly. Throughout this text, you will be asked to read background material, work through exercises, correct improper English, and refine your skills.

At the end of each chapter is a section entitled "Better Writing Drills." These sections review English grammar rules and give other writing improvement tips. In addition, each chapter includes a list of frequently used words to improve your spelling. In several chapters, we also include checklists regarding the various types of communication necessary for criminal justice professionals. If you follow our recommendations and the procedures contained in this text, your verbal and written communications skills should both improve.