Device Speaks Spanish Phrases For Deputies
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio is piloting the Phraselator P2 that contains about 2,000 Spanish phrases, vocally translating for officers commands spoken in English and speaking out loud a phrase chosen from a list.
The technology, also used for military purposes in Afghanistan and Iraq, is designed to bridge a language gap to ensure equal treatment under the law.
The law enforcement version contains phrases such as “I am a police officer,” “Show me your driver’s license,” “Do you know who hit you?” as well as the Miranda rights.
The agency purchased four devices for around $9,200. One will be used by officers on patrol, one by jailers, and two by dispatchers. Many Ohio law enforcement agencies now get help in translation through a hotline operated by AT&T.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Columbus Dispatch (OH) (01/20/06) P. 5D; Zachariah, Holly .