The language barrier in St. Joseph between English- and Spanish-speaking communities is being broken down in small steps.
St. Joseph Police Department training officer Marla Wilson said in an effort to bridge the cultural gap, 15 officers, as well as other officials and members of the community, recently participated in a three-day Spanish language training course at the Buchanan County Law Enforcement Center.
Ms. Wilson said she brought the class to the LEC after seeing an increasing need for police officers to become more familiar with the language. It worked out so well, she said, that she’s looking into booking a second, advanced-language course.
“It was a very, very good class. I’m sure all of the (police officers) got a lot out of it,” she said.
Ron Strader, a warrant officer, said not being familiar with the language in his job is quite a challenge.
“If I run into a home where no one can speak English, I can’t do my job effectively,” he said.
Even though the department has one officer fluent in Spanish, as well as a list of translators on call, it’s more effective to cut out the middle man.
“We do have the resources,” he said. “Sometimes it’s not practical in the heat of it to say, ‘Hold on, I’m going to need to call my translator while you’re holding that gun.’”
Rachel McCoy, director of communications for Community Action Partnership, which works with Spanish-speaking individuals and families in St. Joseph, said the class is a positive action in bridging the cultural gap.
“We’re very encouraged they would be so progressive to put law enforcement in classes that teach Spanish,” she said.
Classes such as the one at the LEC are vital to St. Joseph’s community growth, Ms. McCoy said. Beyond just practicing a language course such as Rosetta Stone, she also reminds people that nothing is more useful than human interaction.
“There has to be a passion for the language. Without direct communication, so much is lost in the meaning of what people are saying,” she said.
Currently, Mr. Strader said police officers have been practicing courtesy phrases, as well as commands such as “let me see your license and insurance” and “I need you to stop.” Beyond the class, learning Spanish isn’t mandated by the department, but Mr. Strader said it’s something he realizes he needs to stay sharp on.
“It’s not something where we have to sit down every day and do. But I do practice the words because it’s one of those … perishable languages. If you don’t use it, you lose it,” he said.
Ms. McCoy said Community Action Partnership is looking into future programs to help English- and Spanish-speaking people meet and have a better understanding of each other’s cultures. She said she hopes the Police Department will be involved as well.
“So many other communities have come out and welcomed this culture,” she said. “St. Joseph is capable of giving, like so many other cities have.”
Source: http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/aug/23/hablas-espaol/?local
