NCJ Number
87947
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1983) Pages: 1-8
Date Published
1983
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A training course in cross-cultural communication developed by the Houston Police Department offers basic information about Hispanic culture, language training, and exposure to a cross section of the Hispanic community.
Abstract
Training begins at the police academy where cadets learn about cultural differences between Anglo-Americans and Hispanics and how to handle stress effectively in cross-cultural circumstances. The second phase is implemented during inservice training for experienced officers when classes are held in a Hispanic community center twice a week, 3 hours a day, for 8 weeks. The sessions combined lectures and discussions to teach officers about the Spanish language, Hispanic values, body language, and family structure and how this knowledge can be applied to police work. Specific areas examined include the Hispanics' global perception of time, double meanings in the Spanish language as well as its limitations in translating some English words, confusion between a Hispanic surname and legal name, and Hispanics' reliance on body language rather than words in giving directions. Both general and ethnic stereotypes held by police oficers are discussed. The language component teaches officers to give the Miranda warning in Spanish as well as several commonly used commands and courtesy phrases. Finally, officers work with volunteers from the Hispanic community, roleplaying scenes of police intervention in traffic accidents, traffic violations, and family disturbances. Evaluations by Hispanics and participating officers show strong support for the program and the demand for classes has increased. Photographs are included.