Local law enforcement aim to break language barriers with Spanish course
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — West Tennessee officers took initiative to break down the language barrier between law enforcement and Spanish-speaking residents.
A three-day intensive course was held at the West Tennessee Regional Training Center, where officers learned beginner-level Spanish key words and phrases.
“Sometimes there’s a situation where the police officers are, they need to establish control over a scene so they can help people,” said Spanish instructor Maya Campbell.
Officers learned techniques to communicate effectively during traffic stops, arrests, domestic violence, and more.
We spoke with a DEA task force officer who tells us more about the importance of the Spanish for law enforcement program.
“The one thing, and I tell this at the very beginning of the class, the one thing I want you to walk away from is to be able to hear and recognize those few words that could indicate you’re in danger, that way you can slow down, take a step back, call for backup, whatever you need to do to make sure you go home safe at the end of your shift,” he said.
According to the Director of the Law Enforcement Innovation Center, officers who understand Spanish and can communicate with Spanish-speaking residents can better maintain safety and ultimately protect all Tennessee residents.
“It is incredibly inspiring to see the desire that the police officers have to learn about a whole different world,” said Campbell. “And some of them simply want to do their job better by being able to communicate with people better.”
To learn more about the Spanish for law enforcement program, click here.
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