Police Communications
In every organization, one of the most crucial elements is the communication system within that organization. These communication systems have to be established by setting up structures of responsibility and overt designations of duties, such as the content, nature, and direction of communication required for the organization’s successful performance (Swanson et al., 1988). As such, the designation of authority and responsibility determines the direction of communication, which could either be upward, horizontal, or downward.
Downward communication is a process of communication that occurs in a chain of command, or rather, a hierarchical system (Swanson et al., 1988). In this case, the passage of messages flows from the upper levels of the organization, flowing downwards to the lower levels. Examples of these messages include sending orders, policy changes or implementation, procedural changes, goals, and directives. In most cases, downward communication involves a one-directional path, meaning that rarely do messages ever move from the lower levels upwards to the top levels. Most law enforcement agencies use this type of communication system.
Subsequently, upward communication is the opposite of downward communication applies. In this scenario, the information is relayed from lower levels on the chain of command and moves upwards through the higher levels of the organizational system (Swanson et al., 1988). Examples of these messages include inquiries or concerns on issues like policies or requesting feedback from the executives in the company.
The chain of command within police organizations highly favors the downward communication process, while this is not the case with upward communication (O Rourke, 2004). The reasons for this disparity include the privileges given to superiors and denied to the lower-ranking officers. While a superior is highly respected and listened to, a lower-ranking officer is expected only to listen, obey, and not raise complaints, especially of other officers, as that is seen as disloyalty (Swanson et al., 1988). In addition, there is a physical and another type of separation between higher levels in police organizations and lower levels, all of which impede the upward flow of communication. For example, police precincts are separate from the offices of superior officers like commanders.
References
O Rourke, M. (2004). Impact of Transnational Organized Crime on Law Enforcement. PUBLICATION SERIES-EUROPEAN INSTITUTE FOR CRIME PREVENTION AND CONTROL, 197-209.
Swanson, C. R., Territo, L., & Taylor, R. W. (1988). Police Administration: Structures, processes, and behavior. New York: Macmillan.
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Question 
Regarding organizational systems of communication, describe upward and downward communication.
Police Communications
Examine how the chain of command within a police organization affects upward and downward communication.