CJ 140 Communication Skills for Criminal Justice
1-1 Quiz: Communication Styles and Approaches
Question One
Scenario #3
A deputy sheriff is working in the lockup at the county courthouse. The lockup serves as a
temporary holding area for prisoners before they are brought to the courtroom. There are single
prisoner cells and secured interview rooms where attorneys and court personnel can meet with
prisoners to prepare them for court proceedings. The lockup is very busy with various court
personnel entering and exiting the area.
One prisoner, who had just been brought in from the county jail, is refusing to leave his holding
cell to be arraigned on charges related to drug possession. He tells the deputy that he wants to
stay in jail and is afraid the judge is going to release him. He states he is only able to stay sober
in jail. “If I leave here, I’ll die!” he cries to the deputy. “I’ll start using as soon as I get back on
the street. I just know that it’s safer for me to be in here.”
The deputy tells the prisoner he has to leave the cell or he will be physically removed. The
deputy insists, “I have to move you now!” After several attempts, the deputy decides he needs
assistance and requests a court advocate to come to the lockup. He tells the advocate, “This guy
really seems like he’s trying to get clean.”
The advocate arrives and speaks with the prisoner through the cell door. The prisoner tells the
advocate, “I am not leaving the cell; I won’t make it out there.” The advocate explains, “If you
tell me what is going on with you, I can speak with the judge and see what we can do to get you
into a detox facility.” The prisoner tells the advocate he can’t go to detox as he does not have
insurance, and when he went to detox in the past, he was discharged after three days. The
advocate tells the prisoner, “If the judge agrees, we can have a court order issued to have you
stay for 90 days. I can’t make any promises, but if you do not agree to leave the cell, I can’t help
you.” The prisoner agrees and is escorted to the court.
What communication style is the deputy using with the advocate? (Select all that apply)
