Several years ago, a well-meaning CID colleague proposed that the Division adopt a team-wide WhatsApp group for the purposes of enhancing communication between team members. Notwithstanding the potential security problems related to that particular app, which was not (as far as I know) available as an organisation-only, free from app designer access, secure communications platform, I respectfully suggested that adding another potential bleep into our lives would add stress to our lives, and it also meant that there would be another cumbersome demand on application of the Disclosure rules – it was bad enough trying to manage and disclose umpteen e-mail threads without trying to add WhatsApp threads to the mixture. I also suggested that for urgent communication between team members during investigations, we could utilise another equally accessible comms medium. I called it ‘the phone’.
It is a modern truth, and I find it amusing, that people have stopped talking to each other and insist on using time-consuming messaging apps to have conversations. A quick question-answer that could be done by calling the source of the knowledge and getting an immediate answer, followed by hanging up, is now replaced by laborious typing on a phone keyboard, followed by a long wait. During which the sender demands to know why his text hasn’t been answered immediately.
Another phenomena related to that one is the multiple-platform conversation, where an e-mail is answered on WhatsApp, queried by text, corrected by Facebook Messenger and finally dealt with on Skype.
Okay, I exaggerate a little for effect.
A lot of time could be saved at the outset of any enterprise, if the team had a chat at the outset and decided which medium would be the most appropriate for each type of communication.
E-mails do allow for retention, threading, probity and ultimate printing for recording purposes (oh, the trees, think of the trees). To be frank, nearly all other digital means of communication present several legal and practical problems, so I would propose that texts, WhatsApps (if even allowed) and other platforms supporting written communications be banned, and the ‘telephone call’ and associated notes be used for all other passing of instructions and reporting of progress. The OIC keeps the policy book, and everyone keeps notes in the appropriate device or book.
That’s TWO communication methods, a LOT of time saved, disclosure covered and responsibilities addressed, allocated and adhered to. And a lot less mental effort trying to remember how you contacted who about what, every time the question comes up.
Ultimately, the decision is yours.
I am only really proposing that you make a CONSCIOUS decision about how you will communicate important things, rather than (a) not thinking about it at all and/or (b) changing your comms method mid-conversation.
Have think – let me know your thoughts.
Police Time Management 