New Device Bridges Language Gap for Police Officers
By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News
Updated: February 27, 2013
"I'm very proud to be part of this community," said Sally Jasso.
Sally Jasso has been a small business owner in Saline County for well over a decade.
A leader in the community, she's watched the number of Spanish-speakers like herself, grow dramatically.
"When we moved here, there was none, we would see another Hispanic maybe once a month, but now we see a ton, so this is going to benefit our town here," said Jasso.
Jasso is excited about a new device at the Bryant Police Department.
"It's a mobile interpretation device," said Sgt. Todd Crowson with the Bryant Police Department.
When an officer is out on a call and needs to talk with someone who doesn't speak English, all they have to do is put the device around their neck like a necklace and push the button.
"She will translate everything that you say, through this box," said Sgt. Crowson.
Sgt. Crowson says at a cost of a $1.50 per minute, their officers can connect to someone who speaks any of more than 100 different languages.
They got nine boxes for free: they're the first agency in the state to pilot the program.
"This is a brilliant thing that has been made here," said Sgt. Crowson.
Jasso volunteers to try it out with us after. a brief hold, they simulate a suspects' description.
Jasso says in certain situations, the device will be worth every penny.
"It's well worth it, because people think Hispanics don't pay taxes, but they do, they do, so I think it's worth it," Jasso said.
Sgt. Crowson says there are safe guards to make sure the translations used will hold up in court.
If other agencies want devices of their own, each unit costs $400.
Sally Jasso has been a small business owner in Saline County for well over a decade.
A leader in the community, she's watched the number of Spanish-speakers like herself, grow dramatically.
"When we moved here, there was none, we would see another Hispanic maybe once a month, but now we see a ton, so this is going to benefit our town here," said Jasso.
Jasso is excited about a new device at the Bryant Police Department.
"It's a mobile interpretation device," said Sgt. Todd Crowson with the Bryant Police Department.
When an officer is out on a call and needs to talk with someone who doesn't speak English, all they have to do is put the device around their neck like a necklace and push the button.
"She will translate everything that you say, through this box," said Sgt. Crowson.
Sgt. Crowson says at a cost of a $1.50 per minute, their officers can connect to someone who speaks any of more than 100 different languages.
They got nine boxes for free: they're the first agency in the state to pilot the program.
"This is a brilliant thing that has been made here," said Sgt. Crowson.
Jasso volunteers to try it out with us after. a brief hold, they simulate a suspects' description.
Jasso says in certain situations, the device will be worth every penny.
"It's well worth it, because people think Hispanics don't pay taxes, but they do, they do, so I think it's worth it," Jasso said.
Sgt. Crowson says there are safe guards to make sure the translations used will hold up in court.
If other agencies want devices of their own, each unit costs $400.
