Defenses
Charles L. Feer, JD, MPA
Bakersfield College
Criminal Justice
Defenses
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Insanity
Statute of Limitations
Self Defense (Use of Force)
Entrapment
Immunity Against Self
Incrimination
Diplomatic Immunity
Self Defense
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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.
Self Defense
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Deadly force may not be used in defense of
property only.
Instigator of aggressive behavior has no right
to self-defense.
Justice System Members
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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:
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Fine
Placed on diversion
Placed on probation
Sentenced to a correctional facility/alternative sentencing
Justice System Members
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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
Justice System Members
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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
Justice System Members
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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
California Court System
WESTEC/North Kern Training
Center’s
P.C. 832 Arrest and Firearms
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.
California Court System
Trial Courts
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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
California Court System
Trial 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.
California Court System
Trial Courts
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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
California Court System
Appellate Courts
District Courts of Appeal are
established to relieve the Supreme
Court of heavy case loads involving
appeals from lower courts.
California Court System
Appellate Courts
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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 court’s jurisdiction
California Court System
Appellate 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.
California Court System
Appellate Courts
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The State Supreme Court:
Handles appeals from the District Court
of Appeal
Automatically accepts death sentence
appeals from Superior Courts
Judicial Process
Misdemeanor Prosecution
Court of Jurisdiction
 Municipal
Violation
 Misdemeanor
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 defendant’s 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
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.
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
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.
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.
Judicial Process
Felony Prosecution
Via Arrest
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2.
3.
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
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.
Judicial Process
Felony Prosecution
Via Arrest
Trial
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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.
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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
`
Knowing Your Community
WESTEC/North Kern Training
Center’s
P.C. 832 Arrest and Firearms
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.
PEACE OFFICER’S 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.
PEACE OFFICER’S ROLES IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
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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.
PEACE OFFICER’S ROLES IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
PREVENT CRIME
Actions you should take
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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
PEACE OFFICER’S ROLES IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
PREVENT CRIME CONT.
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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
PEACE OFFICER’S ROLES IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
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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
PEACE OFFICER’S ROLES IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
EDUCATE THE PUBLIC
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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
PEACE OFFICER’S ROLES IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
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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
PEACE OFFICER’S ROLES IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
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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
PEACE OFFICER’S ROLES IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
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ENFORCE THE LAW CONT.
Be fair and impartial in enforcement.
Enforcement decisions are based on the law, the
court’s interpretation of the law, departmental policy,
and your own good judgment
Enforcement decisions are not based on personal
prejudices or attitudes
PEACE OFFICER’S ROLES IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
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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
PEACE OFFICER’S ROLES IN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
ENFORCE THE LAW CONT.
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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
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.
COMMUNITY ISSUES
FAMILY
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Considerations
A peace officer’s 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.
COMMUNITY ISSUES
FAMILY CONT.
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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.
COMMUNITY ISSUES
FAMILY CONT.
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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.
COMMUNITY ISSUES
SCHOOLS
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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.
COMMUNITY ISSUES
MEDIA
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Considerations
Some agencies may require communication through a media liaison.
Remember that cases in progress must not be discussed.
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Actions
Refer the media to the appropriate source of information in a pleasant
manner. Know all departmental regulations concerning the release of
information.
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Results
Security is maintained, peace officers are protected, ongoing
operations are not interrupted and the case is not in danger of being
tried unfairly.
COMMUNITY ISSUES
FRIENDS
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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.
COMMUNITY ISSUES
FRIENDS CONT.
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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.
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.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
PEACE OFFICERS
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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
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
PEACE OFFICERS
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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.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
PEACE OFFICERS
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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
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.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
PEACE OFFICERS
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SUSPECTS, VICTIMS, AND WITNESSES CONT.
Things To Do
Treat people in a professional manner.
Respond promptly and courteously to all calls.
Don’t let a bad experience on one call affect your
judgment on another.
Be sensitive to a victim’s needs and concerns.
Control your emotions and temper.
Consider your safety at all times when dealing with
individuals.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
PEACE OFFICERS
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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 community’s expectations
The level of funding available
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
PEACE OFFICERS
YOUR AGENCY CONT.
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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 agency’s activities.
Be aware of recent changes in the law which affect your job.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
PEACE OFFICERS
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YOUR PEERS
Things To Consider
Your peer’s attitudes toward you have several
influences:
Your education and training
Your use of interpersonal communications skills
Preconceived notions and stereotypes about your job
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
PEACE OFFICERS
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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.
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.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS
To effectively communicate with different
groups they must be identified by their cultural
and socio-economic group characteristics.
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:
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Dress
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Language – speech patterns
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Physical appearance
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Values
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Family structure
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Customs
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Body language
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Reactions to stress
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS
IDENTIFYING CULTURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROUP
CHARACTERISTICS CONT.
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Eating styles and food preference
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Ways of dealing with common problems
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Traditions
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Physical or developmental disability
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Race
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Sex
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Age
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Ethnic origin
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Religion
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Sexual orientation
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS
INTERACTING WITH MEMBERS OF A GROUP
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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.
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.
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
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS
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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
Don’t underestimate individuals based on appearance
Maintain emotional self-control at all times
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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
GROUP: RACIAL
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
GROUP: MALES AND FEMALES CONT.
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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.
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.
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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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GROUP: PHYSICALLY DISABLED
Folkways or Values
May be very sensitive about their disabilities.
May expect to fully participate.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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GROUP: PHYSICALLY DISABLED CONT.
How You Should Respond
Be aware of the disabled person’s 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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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GROUP: RELIGIOUS
Folkways or Values
May feel misunderstood.
Tend to congregate for religious services.
May have strong reactions to government
interference.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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.
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
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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
LEARNING ABOUT THE
COMMUNITY
SUMMARY: INTERACTING WITH THE COMMUNITY CONT.
Agency Policies Guide Officer Interactions
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A peace officer’s 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
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.
COMMUNICATIONS
INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION
Communication is the sending and receiving of
messages, both verbal and non=verbal, between
two or more persons.
To communicate effectively, the message the sender
gives should equal the message the receiver gets.
Feedback is the receiver’s 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.
COMMUNICATING AN
ATTITUDE
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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.
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
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
COMMUNICATING AN
ATTITUDE
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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
COMMUNICATING AN
ATTITUDE
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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
COMMUNICATION
DIFFICULTIES
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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