What percentage of an officer's duties generally involves verbal skills?

Verbal skills are essential in law enforcement, as police officers frequently engage in communication-related situations. The assertion that approximately 97% of an officer's duties involve verbal skills underscores the reality that a significant portion of policing relies on effective communication. Officers spend much of their time interacting with the public, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and de-escalating potentially volatile situations—all of which require strong verbal abilities.

The high percentage highlights the importance of verbal skills in various aspects of police work, including report writing, explaining laws to the public, and giving testimony in court. Mastery of these skills can lead to better outcomes in investigations and community relations.

Lower percentages indicate a diminished role for verbal skills, which does not accurately reflect the daily realities of police work where effective communication is crucial to performing their duties efficiently and safely.