GEORGETOWN, Del. - Sergeant Joel Díaz, a 19-year veteran of the Georgetown Police Department and one of its only two Spanish-speaking employees, highlights the critical need for bilingual officers to improve communication and trust within the community.
The lack of Spanish-speaking patrol officers poses challenges in accurately gathering information from non-English-speaking victims.
"It can pertain to misinformation," Sgt. Díaz said. "So, if an officer takes a report, what I see a lot of the times is that when Jessica and I may follow up on a case, information may be slightly different."
Currently, the Georgetown Police Department relies on assistance from other departments or calls on Sgt. Díaz during off-hours to communicate with Spanish-speaking individuals.
Sgt. Díaz emphasized the immediate difference language assistance can make.
"I do see the relief on their face when I show up, and I'm speaking Spanish to them. I think they get a sense of 'Oh, somebody is going to understand my problem, my concern' and almost a little sense of relief," he said.
The department has seen a decline in bilingual officers, from nine in recent years to none currently on patrol. Sgt. Díaz remains hopeful for a change.
"If you want to see a change in your community, then be part of the change. So, you know, come join the police department," he said.
To become a part of the Georgetown Police Department, applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years old, have a GED or high school diploma, and have a clean driving and criminal record.