Who can obtain language services?
Language services are provided to anyone, free of charge, who is a limited English proficient (LEP) person. This means that English is not your primary language, and you may have difficulties reading, speaking, or understanding English.
I know some English. Do I really need an interpreter?
You may understand or speak some English, but you may still want an interpreter. Interpreters can help you:
- Prevent misunderstandings.
- Give accurate information.
- Understand your legal rights.
- Request services such as victim's services & translated forms.
How to obtain Language Assistance Services
If you can speak some English:
- Explain to the officer that you need an interpreter. Say, “I would like an interpreter, and I speak [language or dialect].”
- The officer may also have you identify the language you speak, using the “Point To Your Language” list on a telephone interpretation application.
- Find the language you speak on phone application and point it out to the officer.
- The officer will then utilize the interpretation application to connect you with an interpreter.
If you do not speak English:
- The officer will have you identify the language you speak, using the “Point To Your Language” list on the telephone interpretation application.
- Find the language you speak on the phone application and point it out to the officer.
- The officer will then call for a qualified bilingual officer or will connect with a telephone interpreter for assistance.
Can my child/family member, or a bystander interpret for me?
DPD officers will not use family members, including children, or bystanders as an interpreter unless there is an emergency. Emergencies include a threat to life, safety, or property.
What kind of language services does Denver Police provide?
- Certified bilingual officers
- Access to interpreters through a telephone interpreter system for other languages including American Sign Language (ASL)
- Your rights will be read to you in your primary language by a qualified bilingual officer or telephone interpreter
- Interviews with the police will be conducted in your primary language by a qualified bilingual officer or telephone interpreter
- Written forms will be provided or read to you in your primary language by a qualified bilingual officer or telephone interpreter
Language assistance is especially important when you are:
- Interviewed by officers
- Read your Rights
- Given forms to fill out
- Formally questioned
Will I be causing an inconvenience or problems if I ask for an interpreter?
Everyone has the right to effective and accurate communication with the police, and DPD wants to assist.
The DPD Language Access Policy and Plan will ensure language accessibility in our communications with the public we serve.
When DPD is hosting an event, we will work with the community to determine which interpreter services are needed and such services will be provided to the extent reasonably possible, at no cost.
Questions/Comments/Concerns:
DPD Language Access Coordinators
Denver Police Chief’s Office
1331 Cherokee Street, Denver, CO 80204
+1 (720) 913-6527
dpdlangservices@denvergov.org
For Emergencies: 9-1-1