When using a portable microphone, how far should the microphone be held from the mouth?

Holding the microphone 1-2 inches from the mouth is advisable for achieving optimal audio clarity and sound quality. This distance allows the microphone to capture spoken words effectively while minimizing background noise. It helps ensure that the voice is projected clearly without too much distortion that can occur when the microphone is either too close or too far away. Keeping the microphone within this range allows it to pick up the nuances of speech, such as intonation and volume, which are essential during communication in law enforcement contexts.

Holding the microphone too close might result in distortion from plosive sounds (like “p” and “b” sounds), while holding it further away could lead to a lack of clarity and make it difficult for the other party to hear or understand what is being communicated. This balance is key to effective communication, which is vital in law enforcement operations, where clear and precise communication can impact safety and procedural responses.