Law enforcement adjusts to growing Hispanic community
Most departments have Latino officers or Spanish-speaking workers
BY JENNIFER MENSTER
RECORD STAFF WRITER
Monday, October 15, 2007
jmenster@hickoryrecord.com
http://www.hickoryrecord.com

HICKORY - When Hickory Police Department officials wanted to reach out to the increasing Hispanic community, they turned to WCXN 1170 AM, an entirely Spanish radio station.


Almost every Friday for the past two years, Lt. Bobby Grace has talked with DJs and listeners for about an hour on air. They pick a topic to talk about and listeners call in and ask questions.

But the questions aren’t what you think, says Grace, who doesn’t speak Spanish and has someone interpret for him. Most callers aren’t asking about immigration; they want to learn more about American culture.

“Like anyone, they want to avoid difficulties with the police,â€