Law Enforcement and Language
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PBS Learning Media
Law Enforcement and Language
Most Americans know they can call 911 for help in an emergency, but what about new immigrants who might not understand English? In this clip from Homeland: Immigration in America, a police officer from Monett, Missouri, explains that he and other Spanish-speaking officers can help communicate with Latino members of the community and the department dispatchers have access to a translation service in the event they receive a call from a non-English speaker. However, the officer explains, it's better to know English since, in an emergency, precious moments can be lost waiting for a translator.