Finding the Path of Least Resistance: An Examination of Officer Communication Tactics and Their Impact on Suspect Compliance
Jacob T. Foster, Laura Zimmerman, William Terrill, Logan J. Somers · Applied police briefings : · 2025
In cases where officers communicated with a positive tenor (e.g., demeanor), suspects were compliant 99.3% of the time. Similarly, the use of noncoercive verbal communication and directives (e.g., asking, suggesting, persuading) were also shown to significantly increase suspect compliance. However, accusing suspects of wrongdoing and using other coercive language, such as threats and commands, did not significantly impact suspect compliance. These results highlight the need for police training programs to prioritize communication skills that minimize the use of force when possible. Focusing on noncoercive directives and exhibiting a positive tenor could mitigate the likelihood of suspect resistance or noncompliance, thereby reducing the need for physical intervention and possible injuries to those involved. Prior literature also suggests these strategies may be important for improving community relations and perceptions of police legitimacy.