September 13, 2007

Speaking Spanish becomes essential part of police officer's job
By Terry L. Jones
Hattiesburg American

When Hattiesburg police officer Ashley Kubiak joined the force five years ago, he never expected his minor studies in Spanish at the University of Southern Mississippi would become an essential part of his police duties.

But that's exactly what has happened.

Now, instead of saying, "You're under arrest," he's shouting, "Est1/3 arrestado," to suspected lawbreakers among the rapidly growing proportion of Spanish-speaking immigrants in the Pine Belt.

"The Hispanic population has grown tremendously in this area," Kubiak said. "We're dealing with them more and more."

The U.S. Census, in data released this week, indicates the Hispanic population in the Pine Belt has grown significantly. The 2006 data shows the number of Hispanics in Forrest County grew from 916 in 2000 to 1,250 last year.

The increase was even more dramatic in Jones County, which saw the Hispanic population grow from 1,272 in 2000 to 2,678 in 2006.

The numbers, though, may not be accurate because many immigrants who were in the state illegally likely were not counted.

Hattiesburg authorities say being able to communicate with immigrants is important.

"With the increase in our population, the officers that we currently have on staff that are bilingual have been busier than ever," acting Police Chief Frank Misenhelter said.

Authorities have said the services of the department's bilingual officers were imperative during an investigation of the city's first homicide of the year involving a man who was stabbed after an argument with five Hispanic workers who lived at the James Street Apartments.

When police investigators were unable to interview the suspects and gather the evidence they needed to conduct the investigation, translators had to be called in to communicate with the suspects.

Kubiak said he is often called on by his fellow officers during traffic stops to translate to the drivers.

"A lot of the Hispanic population don't understand why we do what we do because officials can't explain a citation to them," Kubiak said. "I first try to let them know we are here to help (and) not to take people to jail."

Kubiak said many immigrants, especially the illegal ones, find it hard to trust local police officers.

"If there's criminal activity going on, we're trying to get information," Kubiak said.

"Once you get that trust, it's easier to find out what happened."

State Auditor Phil Bryant, in a report on illegal immigrants released earlier this month, said state and local governments should provide more funding for special training for police who have to deal with people who don't speak English.

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(If illegal aliens were not in America, we would not have to bear the enormous costs of teaching police officers, teachers, medical personnel etc. to speak Spanish. And, police officers would have more time to deal with the crime that existed in American before we were invaded. Not to mention that teachers and medical personnel would have for more time for students, parents or patients. In every way, we pay a high price for cheap labor.)