Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
One of the best things about America is our diversity. The United States truly is a melting pot of a vast variety of cultures, races, ethnicity, and languages. In fact, according to Translators Without Borders, there are between 350 and 430 languages spoken in the United States, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. In Jefferson County, about 92 percent of residents speak English, while a little over seven percent are fluent in other languages, the most common being Spanish. Some Spanish-speaking residents come from families or households that do not speak English as a primary language, and this can pose a dangerous problem when it comes to emergency situations.
When officers are unable to speak the same language as the citizens they try to assist, they may face an increase in misunderstandings, hesitancy or hostility from members of the community, and possible unnecessary violent escalations, as they are unable to communicate their intentions and goals effectively. This linguistic disconnect between first responders, law enforcement and the people they serve is a major setback that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to avoiding. The office is currently seeking volunteers that are fluent in both English and Spanish. These volunteers would work side by side with their detectives and other emergency response personnel and would provide translation services when needed.
“The face-to-face translating would be a huge benefit,” said Victim/Witness Advocate Marie Rigdon. “It would assist our agency with providing a more personal communication service.”
Currently, detectives must use a translation resource called Language Line over the telephone to address language barriers while on the job, and the agency feels that this results in a loss of personal touch when communicating with citizens.
“The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office wants to be able to provide reliable, accurate and neutral translator services to the entire community,” says Rigdon, “and for us to be able to do that, we need volunteers willing to partner with us.”
Language barriers can often prevent the reporting of crimes, limit witness accounts, and prevent the sharing of useful information when investigating local cases. The Sheriff’s Office feels passionately about providing meaningful access to language services for every Jefferson County resident.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering their bilingual services to the community, contact Marie Rigdon at (850) 997-0510 or Marie.Rigdon@jcso-fl.org.