Our work

• In February 2009, Translating Justice and the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) created a publication and companion webcast that highlighted programs police are using to communicate effectively with residents who do not speak English. Vera staff selected these programs after assessing practices at nearly 200 police agencies.
• In previous work with the COPS Office, Translating Justice helped a diverse group of law enforcement agencies, including those in Anaheim, California; Clark County, Ohio; and Las Vegas, Nevada, develop policies that improve access to law enforcement services for people who do not speak English. The project culminated with a report that discussed the practical steps agencies can take to address language barriers.

Translating Justice has also explored how language barriers can contribute to the disproportionate minority contact (DMC) in the juvenile justice system; convened criminal justice officials to discuss how technology can bridge language gaps; and developed key resources, including bilingual criminal justice glossaries in Spanish and Chinese.

Why Translating Justice?

U.S. Census data shows that almost 20 percent of Americans speak a language other than English at home, and about 9 percent of Americans have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English—they are what is known as limited English proficient (LEP). Unlike in the past, many new immigrants are settling in suburbs and small towns, which are largely unaccustomed to language diversity. In many of these communities, language and cultural barrriers may prevent immigrants from reporting crime—and that may cause them to be victimized. Police need to be able to communicate effectively with all of the people they serve so that they can offer protection, gather evidence, and keep communities safe.

For more information, contact Susan Shah.