Language access cards available for international community
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- More forms of communication cards are being handed out to those who are not proficient in English to help prevent hiccups during interactions with law enforcement officers.
The language access cards given out at KYSTEPS highlight title six of the civil rights act, which says it is prohibited to discriminate against people based on race, color, national origin or program they are associated with.
It also details that any law enforcement agency receiving federal funding must take reasonable steps to provide services, including a qualified interpreter.
Detective Vevad Hadzikadunic with Warren County Sheriff’s Office said that the language access cards are a step into breaking the language barrier in the justice system.
“I think they’re going to be very beneficial for all parties involved. Obviously when you cannot speak English you are already confused and when you’re from a different country, you’re trying to get adjusted to an environment, the culture, it just makes it much more helpful,” Hadzikadunic said.
He said these types of situations are taken seriously and require additional steps so that the persons involved understand their rights.
“I have run into situations where the witnesses, suspects, victims, could not speak English. Usually what the procedure was to notify the dispatcher, and they would connect us to the language line and try to figure out the next proper steps in order for us to communicate,” he said.
This includes the “I speak” poster that allows individuals to point out their language. New cards given out to this that aren’t proficient in English, helps limit those steps and allows law enforcement to connect them to an interpreter.
Hadzikadunic says officers are also learning as well.
“Be patient with them. They’re already scared and nervous because they’re having to come into contact with law enforcement officials and you never know what previous experience, they have had with law enforcement in the countries that they’ve come from,” he said.
English is also his second language after moving to the US when he was younger. “I came whenever I was 13 years old with my family from Bosnia and I could not speak any language whenever I came here,” Hadzikadunic said.
He said after experiencing a new country and now serving that country, all parties should take their time to assess the situations together for a better outcome in the justice system and that even the first responders are human as well.
“We also have to be patient with law enforcement. I know not every police officer that you get in touch with may be super happy with you for whatever the reason is, just be patient with them as well. They’re trying to figure out the situation. We all at the end of the day want to help you, help the community. We all have families here in Warren County, so we all just want to make this county a better place,” Hadzikadunic said.
If you know anyone that needs language access cards, you can reach out to KYSTEPS in Bowling Green.
