Policy Text
Adopted: 3/3/2010
Replaces: NEW ORDER
Limited English Proficiency
GENERAL ORDER # 21.03
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POLICY
Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to
read, write, speak, or understand English can be limited English proficient, or "LEP," and are
entitled to language assistance when they come in contact with law enforcement deputies.
PROCEDURE
A.
When deputies respond to a call or make contact with a subject (victim, suspect or
witnesses) and determine they speak a language other than English, the deputy should
call for another deputy certified in that language or arrange for another neutral and/or
certified professional translation services. Avoid using third party individuals
(children, family or neighbors) to translate statements except in exigent
circumstances. Document the names and personal information of all witnesses and
translators. If on-scene language translation assistance was provided by a family
member, neighbor, or other uncertified person, please note it in your report.
B.
In the event a translator is needed, deputies shall follow these steps:
1.
The deputy may determine the LEP individual's primary language using the
language identification card.
2.
The deputy shall call for a qualified interpreter in the following order:
a) a qualified bilingual deputy or allied agency officer
b) a telephone interpreter
c) qualified civilian interpreter
GENERAL ORDER #21.03
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C.
3.
4.
5.
Any interviews will be conducted in the individual's primary language by a
qualified interpreter.
The Miranda Admonition will be read to suspects in their primary language by a
qualified interpreter.
Deputies will not use children, family members, neighbors, friends or bystanders
for interpretation, except in exigent circumstances. Once the exigent circumstance
has passed, the deputy will utilize a qualified interpreter.
The Sheriff's Office has contracted with Language Line Service (same as County
Communications) for our office.
Toll Free Number: 1 (800) 523-1786
Contract Number:
1..
Sheriff's Office personnel using this service shall document the following in the
Incident Report:
Personnel who called the service
Date and Time
Length of Call
Language(s) Requested
Event Number
If an Incident Report is not generated, Sheriff's Office personnel shall document
the above information in a memorandum to their division commander.
Jenni Sunct
LAURIE SMITH
SHERIFF
GENERAL ORDER #21.03
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