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Main Page Language Barriers
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Posted by: Future Cop

Scenario...You are out on patrol, and you stop a car for a marked lanes violation (suspected OUI). You get to the window, and the driver doesn't speak an iota of English, which is the only language you speak. What are your options? I know you could ask to see if another Officer in your dept. or neighboring dept. have any speakers of that language...but what if none are available? Is there a service you can call, etc? I have always wondered about this... Thanks.

Posted by: kttref

There is a paid service you can call (if your PD has an account you can do it)...but I don't know a single person who uses it...we honestly just get the person a ride...much easier that way. We'll get them again if their habitual. I'll try to find the service number...

Posted by: screamineagle

depending on the language, dont some depts have either books to translate in the cruiser or programs on their mobile puters?

Posted by: kttref

Not mine.

Posted by: spdawg0734

You make your best assesment based on what you have observations of operation, physical observations of drivers motor skills and appearence, odor, eyes excetera..... If you are of the opinion that he is under the influence arrest, the same way you would if a person refused to cooperate during the stop. If he wins in court so be it, like I have said before it is not your job to find some one guilty, but to show probable cause to satisfy the arrest. You should be as detailed in your observations as you can and be prepared to testify in the same detail on the stand. Language barrier should not be a get out of jail card. You remove him or her from the road, you have done your job. The rest is what lawyers are for. Stay Safe

Posted by: Section12

Jingle the cuffs and watch before your eyes as the person masters the English language in a matter of seconds

Posted by: pahapoika

Jingle the cuffs and watch before your eyes as the person masters the English language in a matter of seconds

Posted by: Tuna

The handcuff thing or calling for a tow always works for me. It's amazing how quickly the Kings English comes to there lips

Posted by: Deuce

use the cueball technique...

Posted by: 94c

At least a half dozen years ago I gave all the OUI rights in a foreign language over the phone to a prisoner somewhere out in western Ma.

never heard from them again.

Posted by: copcop

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdawg0734

You make your best assesment based on what you have observations of operation, physical observations of drivers motor skills and appearence, odor, eyes excetera..... If you are of the opinion that he is under the influence arrest, the same way you would if a person refused to cooperate during the stop. If he wins in court so be it, like I have said before it is not your job to find some one guilty, but to show probable cause to satisfy the arrest. You should be as detailed in your observations as you can and be prepared to testify in the same detail on the stand. Language barrier should not be a get out of jail card. You remove him or her from the road, you have done your job. The rest is what lawyers are for. Stay Safe

Well said....

Posted by: Crvtte65

Does your department call a translator at your booking area?

Posted by: dcs2244

Quote:

Originally Posted by screamineagle

depending on the language, dont some depts have either books to translate in the cruiser or programs on their mobile puters?

What is this "mobile computer" you speak of?

(good signature, SE!)

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