Workforce Language Services

Texas requires that all cadets in basic training take 16 hours of Spanish classes.  While 16 hours is hardly enough to learn to communicate in Spanish, at least it’s a start.  The Waco Police Department also has various strategies for overcoming the language barrier: they can dispatch a Spanish-speaking officer, have a bilingual dispatcher speak with the victim, or access a language line. 

The academy’s Spanish instructor explains the importance of having more police officers who are at least marginally proficient at Spanish:

“How much can anybody retain in 16 hours,” said Best, the MCC academy Spanish instructor. “You have to go out there and use it.”

In addition to those 16 state-required hours in basic training, officers are given additional state Spanish language requirements as they advance in their departments. And departments might have additional Spanish language requirements.

“I personally think it needs to be taught for an hour each day in basic training,” Best said.

She added, “We are making an effort. It’s important. Our job is to serve and protect all citizens. It helps to be able to communicate with everybody.”

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