Reaching English-as-a-Second-Language Communities: Talking with the Police

A motorist is driving down the road when a patrol car pulls up behind him. Like most drivers, the motorist feels nervous just seeing the patrol car in the rearview mirror and even a bit fearful after the red lights start flashing and the officer signals the motorist to pull over. Traffic stops can cause anxiety in even the most seasoned drivers; imagine the impact on the driver who does not speak English very well and has recently arrived from another country. Imagine the challenge such traffic stops present to officers who must attempt to communicate with drivers who do not understand what is being asked.