Breaking The Language Barrier

Robertsdale Spanish Officer Josh Sypert isn't using the English language as much as he used to. The veteran Robertsdale patrolman is learning Spanish.

by Pat Peterson

Published: Wed, August 22, 2007 - 3:46 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, August 23, 2007 - 10:08 am CST

Officer Josh Sypert isn't using the English language as much as he used to. The veteran Robertsdale patrolman is learning Spanish. Sypert and five other patrolmen are taking an online course called "Spanish on Patrol"...or "Street Spanish." The six-month internet course will help help improve communications between the police department and the growing Hispanic population.

"We're not speaking perfect Spanish," says Sypert. "We're learning enough to help us out on traffic stops, find out where they live, or if they have a license, things like that."

Sypert says Robertsdale's Hispanic population has tripled since 2003. Hispanics living and working in the Hub City say they're glad officers are learning to speak Spanish.

"The communication barrier is frustrating," says business owner Alina Silva. "Sometimes we can't figure out what they want or what they're asking and then at times, the police can't understand us."

The officers will complete their online training by the end of the year. Robertsdale's police chief says the entire department could be required to take the Spanish course in the near future.

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MeAmerican Says:

Tue, Sep 11, 2007 at 4:13 pm

lumis, Thanks for the link& info. I stand uncorrected and firm in my opinion.

MeAmerican Says:

Tue, Sep 11, 2007 at 3:51 pm

Churchkey, like your comment. To answer your question the answer is simple. LIBERALS ARE TRYING TO UNDERMINE THE VERY FOUNDATIONS AND RULES OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY.

churchkey Says:

Tue, Sep 11, 2007 at 8:50 am

I am of European decent and all of my past relatives and family members had to learn and speak English, or they didn’t work. If they didn’t work, they didn’t survive. Everything I see or buy has the Spanish language printed on it .WHAT HAPPENED AMERICA?

gulfcoastdude Says:

Mon, Aug 27, 2007 at 10:15 am

Is Baldwin County a “sanctuary” county now?

southernpride7 Says:

Thu, Aug 23, 2007 at 10:04 am

Ok I really think this is crazy. If they can not understand why they got a ticket then they should not be driving. I don’t think it is right for our police officers to have to go through a class to learn spanish. If they want to learn it then it should be on there time not tax payers money having to pay for these online classes. I got an email the other day that had a t-shirt on it with uncle sam saying ” I WANT YOU TO LEARN ENGLISH OR GO HOME”

primate502002 Says:

Thu, Aug 23, 2007 at 2:18 am

what has become so wrong with our immigration system that legal immigrants arn’t required to learn english..and if they can’t speak/read english.. why are we issuing them driver’s licesnces if they can’t read the signs..this puts us all at risk..i admire the people on both sides for taking strides to help relieve this situation.. however, the root of the problem needs to be adressed too..