Nonverbal Communication
As a police officer, mastering communication extends far beyond words. Nonverbal cues—such as your body language, facial expressions, and posture—can often speak louder than any words you say. These signals can influence how your actions are perceived by colleagues, the public, and those you interact with daily.
By reflecting on your nonverbal communication habits, you gain valuable insights into your style and its impact. This self-awareness can improve your ability to connect with others, build trust, and enhance overall effectiveness in your role. Strengthening your non-verbal communication not only improves your interactions but also reinforces professionalism and respect in every encounter.
“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”
Self-Assessment:
Nonverbal Communication
Please take a few moments to contemplate the following self-reflection questions. Where can you identify opportunities for personal growth in your leadership?
How well do I recognize different types of nonverbal cues (e.g., facial expressions, body language, tone of voice) during interactions?
Can I accurately interpret whether nonverbal signals reflect discomfort, aggression, or calmness in a suspect or witness?
How often do I adjust my body language to de-escalate tense situations?
How well do I understand that different cultures may interpret nonverbal communication differently than I perceive it?
Am I aware of the personal space needs of different individuals, and how do I adjust my proximity to avoid making others feel uncomfortable or threatened?
Am I aware of when too much or too little eye contact might be perceived as confrontational or disengaged?
Have I ever used nonverbal signals to calm or control a crowd situation?
Do I regularly seek feedback from colleagues or supervisors on how my nonverbal communication is perceived?
Take your time and reflect upon these questions honestly. Going forward, use your responses as a tool to assess how well you communicate nonverbally and discover the areas that need development.
According to leading researcher Albert Mehrabian’s widely cited studies on verbal and nonverbal communication, up to 55 percent of communication is conveyed through body language, 38 percent through tone and inflection, and only 7 percent through the actual words spoken.
With nonverbal communication representing over 90% of all our communication during interactions, it is important to know what messages we are sending without even speaking a word. Think about it—almost every day, we respond to thousands of nonverbal cues and behaviors, including posture, facial expressions, eye gaze, gestures, and tone. Even our hairstyle, clothes and handshake make a difference in the perception people have of us. Our nonverbal communication reveals who we are and impacts how we relate to other people, unfortunately it can have both positive and negative effects.
For police officers, understanding nonverbal communication is a game changer for daily interactions and long-term relationships within the department and across the community. Nonverbal communication aids in de-escalation. Reading nonverbal cues can help officers identify potential threats and de-escalate tense situations by adjusting their own behavior accordingly. It can also assist in investigative purposes, as observing subtle nonverbal cues during questioning can aid in identifying inconsistencies or deception. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it can help build rapport. Healthy communities desire a strong relationship between the police and their citizens. Positive nonverbal cues like smiling, waving, and leaning in during conversations can help establish trust and build rapport with individuals across all demographics.
The following nonverbal cues are crucial for police officers as they assist in gauging potential threats, understanding the emotions of individuals, and building rapport during interactions, particularly in high-stress situations.
Eye Contact
Our eyes are one of the most critical parts of nonverbal communication, demonstrating our willingness to connect with someone. Our eyes let people know we are present, engaged, and listening. They hold power—for good or bad. Think back to your elementary years and the look your teacher would give someone in your class when they were talking during quiet time. Most of the time, no words were needed, just the eyes with that intentional look saying, “Stop talking now!” Losing eye contact or giving no eye contact can diminish a connection and become a barrier when trying to convey a message.
Facial Expressions
Facial expressions are an essential aspect of both interpreting the emotions of others and conveying the appropriate emotions yourself. Expressions can directly impact conflict resolution and community engagement, among many other things. For example, smiles indicate happiness, and a furrowed brow can indicate confusion or concern. Subtle expressions, like micro-expressions, can indicate concealed emotions. These fleeting expressions can reveal inconsistencies between someone's words and what they are actually feeling, aiding officers in distinguishing between honesty and deceit during interactions.
As a police officer, your own facial expressions can either help build rapport or create distance. By displaying calm, empathetic, and approachable expressions, officers can help individuals feel more at ease, which is essential in high-stress situations. Positive expressions can foster cooperation and reduce tension. It is important to note that in situations where individuals may be unable to speak (due to fear, injury, language barriers, etc.), facial expressions become a vital tool for communication. You can interpret distress or relief based on expressions alone.
Body Posture
One of the most visible and influential aspects of body language is posture. It is a form of nonverbal communication that can convey messages of power, competence, and openness. Having a good posture communicates strength, competence, and approachability without saying a word. Standing tall with your shoulders back and head held high exudes confidence and presence, making you appear more authoritative and in control. This not only inspires confidence in others but also boosts your mood, energy, and self-esteem, enhancing perceptions of trustworthiness and competence.
Gestures
Gestures involve the movements of hands, arms, and head to emphasize, illustrate, or reinforce verbal messages. It's crucial to consider how you animate yourself while communicating because gestures significantly influence perceptions of you and your message, for better or worse. For example, certain hand movements, like clenched fists, can signal aggression, while open palms can convey openness and sincerity.
Tone and Mood
Tone of voice and mood play a pivotal role by providing essential cues for understanding the emotional context, intent, and attitude behind spoken words. These elements convey nuances that extend beyond the literal meaning of messages, offering insights into the speaker’s emotions, sincerity, and level of engagement. Additionally, the tone, rate, and volume of a speaker’s voice can convey different meanings, as can sounds like laughing, throat clearing, or humming. Variations in pitch, volume, and inflection can reveal emotions like anger, frustration, or calmness.
Physical Distance
Physical distance is crucial for a police officer because it acts as both a safety buffer and a communication tool—too close, and it can escalate tensions or be perceived as threatening; too far, and it may signal disinterest or lack of control. Striking the right balance in physical distance allows officers to maintain authority, ensure personal safety, and de-escalate potentially volatile situations by respecting the personal space of others while projecting confidence and readiness.
The Silent Truth
Officer Olivia Benson sat in her patrol car, watching the quiet street through the windshield. It had been an uneventful evening so far, but something about the man standing near the corner store caught her attention. He wasn’t doing anything illegal, just leaning against the wall, staring off into the distance. Still, something felt off.
Olivia decided to approach, but carefully. She had learned in her years on the force that not all threats were obvious. Sometimes, it was the subtle things—posture, eyes, the way someone held their body—that told the real story.
As she approached the man, she noticed the tension in his shoulders, the way his hands flexed and unflexed at his sides. His eyes flicked toward her, but only for a second, as if he didn’t want to make direct contact. He was trying to appear calm, but his body was betraying him.
“Good evening,” Officer Benson said, keeping her tone neutral and non-threatening. She made sure to stand at a slight angle, not directly in front of him, giving him space. Her posture was relaxed, her hands visible but resting lightly on her utility belt—non-confrontational, but ready.
“Everything okay?” she asked, her voice steady, but her eyes scanning his movements.
The man nodded quickly, too quickly, his hands now shoved deep into his pockets. His jaw clenched.
Officer Benson didn’t press him with words. Instead, she observed. His body language screamed discomfort, maybe even fear. He was hiding something, but it wasn’t clear what. She noticed the way he shifted his weight from foot to foot, as if he was getting ready to run.
Her instincts kicked in. If she became too aggressive, he might bolt or worse, escalate. But she also knew something wasn’t right, and she needed to find out what.
Keeping her voice soft, Olivia said, “You seem a little nervous. Is everything alright? You’re not in any kind of trouble.” She didn’t push closer, didn’t demand an answer. She let the silence settle, watching his reaction.
His eyes flicked toward the alley behind him, just for a split second, but it was enough. Olivia followed the glance, her eyes narrowing. Then she saw it—another man, crouched low, hidden in the shadows. He held a gun, pointed not at her, but at the man she was talking to.
Olivia’s heart raced, but she didn’t react outwardly. She needed to keep the situation calm. Without turning her head, she subtly tapped her radio, sending out a silent alert to her backup. She kept talking to the man, her tone unchanged.
“You don’t have to worry,” she said gently. “If there’s something wrong, we can help.”
The man’s shoulders relaxed ever so slightly. He took a shallow breath, and his hand slid out of his pocket, palm open in a silent plea for help. No words were needed. The nonverbal exchange between them was enough. Olivia knew he wasn’t the threat.
Moments later, her backup arrived. The man in the alley was apprehended without incident, his weapon seized. The man Olivia had spoken to was a victim, caught in a dangerous situation, too scared to speak up.
Later, as Olivia filled out her report, she reflected on the encounter. Words weren’t always the truth. It was in the way people moved, the tension in their muscles, the dart of their eyes that the real story was often told. In this case, the silent communication between her and the man had saved both their lives.
Nonverbal cues had spoken louder than any words ever could.
What nonverbal cues did Officer Olivia Benson observe that made her realize the man was not a threat but rather in distress?
How might the situation have escalated if Officer Benson had ignored the man’s body language and relied solely on verbal communication?
Why was it important for Officer Benson to remain calm and avoid showing outward signs of tension when she realized there was a second person in the alley?
How do you think Officer Benson felt during and after the encounter? How might her emotions have affected her nonverbal communication during the situation?
“Listen with an open mind, gather all the incoming information, both verbal and nonverbal and be careful not to ignore things you don’t wish to hear. Don’t make assumptions or jump to conclusions. The punchline usually comes at the end!”
As we have already said, you should be aware of your nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions. These cues can convey messages, sometimes more strongly than words. Here is a quick list of reminders for you to consider when reflecting on your nonverbal communication. Keep these in mind to enhance your interactions and ensure you're sending the intended messages without words.
Maintain a Calm and Neutral Demeanor: Keep facial expressions neutral, avoid furrowed brows or tense jawlines, and adopt an open posture to appear non-threatening.
Why: A calm demeanor helps de-escalate tense situations and prevents the other person from becoming more agitated
Use Open Body Language: Avoid crossing arms, standing with hands on hips, or turning your back. Face individuals directly, with relaxed shoulders and hands visible.
Why: Open body language signals that you are approachable and non-aggressive, which can help build rapport and trust.
Control Proxemics (Physical Distance): Keep a safe but non-intimidating distance during interactions—typically four to six feet—and adjust based on the situation or the person’s behavior.
Why: The appropriate physical distance helps ensure safety while showing respect for personal space. Too close can be seen as a threat, while too far might signal disengagement or lack of control.
Be Mindful of Eye Contact: Maintain appropriate, intermittent eye contact to show you’re engaged without intimidating the other person. Be mindful of cultural differences and neurodiverse conditions, such as autism, that may affect eye contact norms.
Why: Eye contact can demonstrate attentiveness and authority, but excessive or aggressive eye contact can be perceived as confrontational.
Mirror Nonverbal Behavior When Appropriate: If someone is seated, consider sitting down as well. If they are leaning forward, mirror their posture slightly to show attentiveness. Be subtle and avoid mimicking behaviors that could be seen as mockery.
Why: Mirroring body language subtly can help build rapport and show empathy, making the other person feel understood.
Be Aware of Cultural and Neurological Differences: Educate yourself on common cultural variations and communication styles associated with neurological conditions, such as autism. Pay attention to aspects like body language, gestures, and eye contact to prevent unintentionally offending or escalating a situation.
Why: Nonverbal communication varies across cultures and among individuals with different neurological profiles. Misunderstanding these cues can escalate tensions.
Remember:
Nonverbal communication is a rapidly flowing back-and-forth process that requires your full focus on the moment-to-moment experience. If you're planning what you're going to say next, checking your phone, or thinking about something else, you're almost certain to miss non-verbal cues and not fully understand the subtleties of what's being communicated. In addition to being fully present, you can improve how you communicate nonverbally by learning to manage stress and developing your emotional awareness.
Personal Challenge:
Record yourself. You may cringe at this idea, but it allows you to see yourself and the nonverbal cues you communicate to others. After recording, watch the video back to see what others see—it may feel awkward, but it will reveal the truth about how you come across.
Enhance your understanding of Nonverbal Communication by reviewing the following resources. Take this opportunity to enhance your leadership effectiveness and expand your influence within the department and community.
The Impact of Unconscious Communication
The Art of Eye Contact: 4 Best Approaches for Any Interaction
