Cross-department communication is a must-have in forensic science. It’s like having detectives, scientists, and lawyers sitting around a table trying to solve a puzzle, but they all speak different languages.
The goal is not to understand each other’s “languages” or areas of expertise, but to solve the forensic puzzles together. To trust that what they say is also important to what your expertise shows. It’s like creating a common language for everyone, making it easier for us to find the truth. Let’s find out more!
The Importance of Effective Cross-Department Communication
Imagine working on a puzzle with someone without knowing what the final image should look like.
It could become frustrating, especially if your teammates have different ways of going about it. Effective communication in forensics ensures that everyone knows what the picture is supposed to be so that those other departments can work within their scope of procedures.
When we communicate well, we help each other understand the importance of each clue and how it fits into the larger mystery we’re solving – be it a crime scene or lab results. Key word there is “well”.
Common Cross-Department Communication Barriers in Forensic Investigations
Sometimes, talking to colleagues from different departments can feel like speaking different languages. This can cause confusion, like when two people are both trying to lead a dance – it becomes difficult to move smoothly.
Common barriers in forensic communication could include:
- Technical jargon
- Assumptions that others have the same knowledge
- Noise of a busy environment getting in the way of a clear conversation
- Safety concerns
- Attitutude
- Expediency
Recognizing these barriers is knowing where the dance might need some rehearsal.
Techniques for Active Listening in Cross-Department Communication
Active listening is similar to following clues, requiring full attention and focus. It’s about not just hearing but understanding what’s being said.
- Practicing active listening means showing you are listening
- Focus on what that person is saying
- See it from both sides
- Repeating what you’ve heard to ensure you’ve got it right
- Practice the 5 keys to success when creating an action list (Safety, Courtesy, Inclusion, Show, and Efficiency)
By practicing these techniques, we can better listen to forensic cross-department communication. You’re not just collecting important information but also making people feel truly heard and understood. After all, the art of communication is as much about listening as it is about talking.
How to Communicate Clearly and Concisely in Forensics
Communicating clearly and concisely means ensuring your message is as straightforward as directions on a map. Keep your explanations simple, use familiar words, and stick to the point, like following a recipe carefully, so the final product comes out just right.
And, of course, we have to throw in the controversial statement of – leave the emotional baggage at home. Drop the tude and just stick to the facts. Be clear about what you professionally need and figure out what you personally need on your break. This creates consistency and sets you up to avoid future conflict because people will come to expect a professional and efficient exchange with you.
Just as visible landmarks can guide us safely on a journey, preventing us from taking the wrong path, this method helps eliminate misunderstandings, ensuring that we’re all moving together towards a common understanding.
Conflict Resolution Skills for Cross-Department Communication in Forensics
Sometimes, disagreements happen, but resolving them doesn’t have to be a contest. Conflict resolution is about finding a solution that everyone can be okay with.
Now, for my people pleasers out there. YOU WON’T MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY IN EVERY SITUATION. That’s just the nature of the beast. Don’t bend over backward, don’t take from your cup to fill theirs, take the emotion out of it.
I had a really excellent boss babe supervisor who had a great trick I’ve used in every conflict resolution situation since. She said that when people get emotional in conflict resolution situations, she would literally pretend they are toddlers.
I’ll explain: when a toddler is crying and throwing a tantrum, there are typically two responses: the “Oh my god, make it stop” and the “Aw, they’re having big emotions” response. When we’re dealing with a conflict resolution with someone who’s being difficult, typically, we lean towards the “Oh my god, make it stop” response. This is where we start to fall into habits of people-pleasing.
When you add in this ideology of wow, they’re having a hard time with this answer, aka they’re having big emotions, then you can dissolve the situation just like you would a toddler.
Step 1. Compose yourself – don’t let them see that they’re getting to you
Step 2. Identify their emotion – “It seems like you are getting upset/mad/frustrated by this course of action”
Step 3. Show empathy – “I understand that xyz can ABC, but…”
Step 4. Explain the consequences – “if we don’t clear the scene before my team enters, then someone could seriously get hurt”
Step 5. Push them to decide on what to do next – “Is that something you’re willing to risk? Can you handle this now, or do I need to make a call?”
The number of jaws I have seen hit the floor on this approach is so satisfying. Plus, guess what? You’re not sacrificing your sanity; it’s saving you time, and everyone in the vicinity can say you acted in a professional manner because you had zero emotion in your response.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Forensic Communication
Emotional intelligence in communication is like empathy – it helps us be aware of other people’s feelings and respond kindly. You can’t fix a tantrum if you’re having one yourself.
When we understand the emotions in our work conversations, it’s like being aware of a friend’s mood and choosing our words with care not to upset them more. It keeps the atmosphere pleasant and respectful, even when the discussion is serious or tense.
Enhancing Communication Skills for Better Forensic Collaboration
As practice improves our sports or art skills, improving our communication skills helps us work better together.
By learning and improving, we can ensure our message is heard and understood. This can be as rewarding as seeing a team grow stronger and more coordinated with every game they play together.
Remember, every small step we take towards improving communication can lead to giant leaps in our understanding and cooperation with one another.
It’s about making sure everyone feels heard and respected – because, much like each piece of a puzzle, every member of our team and every bit of information is vital to seeing the complete and beautiful picture that we’re striving to create together.
Learn More about Creating Unified Forensic & Law Enforcement Teams!
FORENSIC-SPECIFIC TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT ARE OFTEN LACKING (OR JUST PLAIN NON-EXISTENT!)
While forensic technician courses are widely available, they may not prepare you for new roles and responsibilities.
Generic leadership courses also may not address the unique challenges of a Forensic Unit. What if you could access forensic-specific training and resources to support your career growth?
Gap Science training courses and resources may be just what you’re looking for!
Ready to take the next steps in your supervisor training? Check out our Courses – Here!
