Reference no: EM133391456
Scenario:
An officer has stopped a Vietnamese citizen for speeding. The officer walks up to the car window; the citizen is seated in the driver's seat with his window up; he is looking down, completely avoiding eye contact with the officer; the officer knocks loudly on the window and motions the citizen to roll down the window, which the citizen does promptly.
Officer - Next time wud'ja mind cooperating a little more quickly?
Citizen - (Looking puzzled) I don't understand. Why you stop me? (Officer thinks,
"Good. At least he speaks English.")
Officer - I'm getting to that. (Citizen still looks confused.) May I see your license please?
Citizen - (Begins to open the car door and get out.)
Officer - Whoa. What's happening here? (Officer physically tries to erect a barrier
between him and the citizen to stop the citizen; citizen gets agitated.)
Citizen- I don't have a license with me. It's back there.
Officer - Back where? Is it at home?
Citizen - You no understand me. (Citizen continues to try to get past the officer.)
Officer - (Raising his voice, realizing that there is a language problem.) Listen,
You continue not to cooperate; I'm gonna have to cite you for non- compliance. Get back in the car, and lemme see your vehicle's insurance.
Citizen - No, it's back there.
Officer - What's goin on here? Where?
Citizen - My license. My insurance. I no keep it in car.
Officer - Well, that's real smart. Do you understand the problem here?
Citizen - (Avoiding eye contact again and remaining completely silent.)
Officer - Do you understand?
Citizen - (Without making eye contact.) Yes, I understand. My license and insurance they in trunk of car.
Officer - Why didn't cha just tell me the situation right away?
How might the officer's communication be modified to more effectively interact with the citizen during this encounter? Pay attention to specific aspects of verbal and nonverbal communication.
Does it appear that the officer might be misunderstanding any cultural information? If so, describe this misunderstanding.
What are at least three noteworthy aspects of verbal communication that are associated with Asian/Pacific Americans? Describe each aspect.
What are at least three noteworthy aspects of nonverbal communication styles that are associated with Asian/Pacific Americans? Describe each aspect.
Describe how knowledge of these aspects of verbal and nonverbal communication can help law enforcement officers in how they approach Asian/Pacific Americans.