By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Berrien County law enforcement agencies have a new tool to assist with communicating to persons who speak different languages.
Deputy Juan Mata of the Berrien County Sheriff's Office initiated the purchase of "Speech Guard" handheld language translation devices.
Mata, former Eau Claire police chief, said Thursday that he was able to purchase three of the $950 devices and would like to eventually provide one to each of Berrien County's 24 law enforcement agencies.
Mata was helped by contributions from Benton Township Police Department, Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police Department, Lakeland Hospital and funding by a grant made possible through United Way of Southwest Michigan.
He said it takes about an hour and a half of orientation to feel comfortable using the device.
Mata stated that when law and order are in question, one cannot risk non-communication.
Mata said the translator units understand thousands of typical police commands spoken in English and is capable of pronouncing the translations in Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Polish, Chinese (Mandarin), Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and Farsi (Persian).
Sheriff L. Paul Bailey advised that law enforcement work demands that officers must constantly be on guard to detect, anticipate and resolve intense and disorderly situations in any community, in any language.
So, instances where misunderstandings are unaffordable, and you are dealing with persons who speak little or no English, use of the Speech Guard to ask questions and to get answers in the form of clear-cut signs and words that law enforcement and the citizen can understand is "imperative."
Mata said the first three units will be located at Lakeland Hospital emergency room, Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police Department and Benton Township Police Department.
If you would like to make a donation, please contact Deputy Mata at (269) 208-8962.