Author(s):
Marie Jostock & Frank Hallenberger

Institution:
Polizeiinspektion Trier & Hochschule der Polizei Rheinland-Pfalz

Title:
Active listening in the individual police service

Abstract:
Seite 12-28

This article deals with the question to which extent the communication technology of active listening can be used in individual police service by police officers. In order to discuss this question, the origins and technique of active listening will be discussed. In addition, the current study situation on that question will be presented. Another focus will be on building a rapport, which is seen as a significant advantage of communication technology. In this regard, the use of active listening seems to make the most sense in emotionally charged situations. For this reason, with regard to police practice, we highlight in particular interrogations, operations in cases of domestic violence, de-escalation, suicidal crisis intervention and the delivery of the notice of death as well as the internal communication. As a result, it can be said that there are hardly any aspects that speak against the use of active listening, but significant benefits can be assumed. However, this technique not only has to be trained but also practiced. Ultimately, police officers are communication professionals and have a duty to act in a way that is appropriate to the situation and to the human being.