Carolina Elmore provided a Spanish culture class to the LETA Fall 2022 class on Friday, Nov. 4.
Elmore teaches the academy trainees about Hispanic community culture, language and services provided by El Centro Hispano in Jonesboro. The purpose of the class is to encourage communication and cultural understanding through teaching officers’ common phrases and vocabulary to enable them to communicate with Spanish speaking people they encounter on parole. Elmore also utilizes hands on exercises of situations that may occur, which teaches the officers how to handle the language barrier.
Mastering basic Spanish will also give officers a stronger sense of confidence to handle situations with Spanish speaking individuals and improve communication which will promote safety and avoid misunderstandings.
Elmore said the class is an important addition to the training law enforcement officers go through because, “improving communication, knowledge and understanding of the culture of people with limited English proficiency leads to better public safety outcomes and helps local, state and federal law enforcement agencies build stronger, more trusting relationships with the communities they serve.”
“The Law Enforcement Training Academy appreciates our relationship with El Centro Hispano. They have never hesitated to help us with our classes when asked. Their efforts have a considerable impact in the communities we serve,” said LETA director Jared Bassham.
For more information on the LETA program, contact Jared Bassham at (870)248-4913 or email at jared.bassham@blackrivertech.edu.