San Mateo County Grand Jury • 2012-2013

Can We Talk?

Published: November 28, 2012 82 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 6 findings

F1
The law enforcement agencies in the County are aware of the linguistic issues presented by the County’s non-English speaking population and, in general, have responded well by implementing written policies for language access and instituting hiring procedures designed to recruit multilingual personnel.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The cities of Atherton, Colma, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Hillsborough, Pacifica, Redwood City, and San Bruno develop a written policy/procedure for language access based on the guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Justice22 and customized for California Law by Lexipol in Policy 368 (See, e.g., Appendix E)
F2
The 911 Service does a good job for the non-English speakers in the communities serviced by the San Mateo Sheriff’
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The cities of Brisbane and Hillsborough subscribe to a telephonic translation service that provides immediate access for dispatchers and officers in the field. Overcoming Language Barriers, Solutions For Law Enforcement, Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice, www.cops.usdoj.gov/Publications/vera_translating_justice_final.pdf (1/9/2013). 6
F3
Written policies and procedures, such as those adopted by Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Foster City, Menlo Park, City of San Mateo, South San Francisco, and the Sheriff’s Office, are useful in guiding law enforcement during encounters with non-English speakers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Every County policing agency examine the feasibility of providing smart phones to patrol officers so that they can access free translation services such as Google Translate 23.
F4
Language Line is helpful in reducing communication difficulties between the immigrant population and law enforcement.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Every County policing agency encourage and financially support participation in POST24 language skills classes.
F5
Alternative language translation services such as Google Translate, accessible by smart phones in the field, are useful in multilingual law enforcement situations.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
It would be beneficial for law enforcement agencies to take advantage of low cost Spanish education available through the POST program.
No recommendations for this finding

No Responses Found 2

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San Mateo City
San Mateo County Sheriff Elected County Office