Managing a Diverse Workforce 95
how the city and its respective departments and the police department
could improve their service and communicate with the Hispanic com-
munity. As a result, a new program, Joining Hands: Operation Apoyo
Hispano, was developed. The program consists of ten parts:
- Communicators. Fifteen bilingual interpreters were trained by the police de-
partment and the YWCA to assist police offi cers. The communicators are
trained in police procedures and how to translate verbatim, take notes
in court, and notify the offi cers if anything was said to put the offi cers
at risk.
- Victim advocacy. The YWCA program has two full - time bilingual victim
advocates to help victims of crime by explaining the criminal justice
system and even accompanying crime victims to court.
- Mobile outreach program. To overcome residents ’ fear of the police and
reluctance to come to the police, the police go to the community. Using
a mobile command post vehicle, the police department goes where the
Hispanic community gathers, from soccer fi elds to church, and presents
information about government services and cultural programs.
- Offi cer recruitment. The police department is recruiting bilingual offi cers
and offering bilingual incentive pay for new offi cers.
- Television and radio. The program uses Spanish radio and television stations
to reach the community. “Blueline CPD” is a local, live interactive
television show in which Clearwater offi cers answer questions called in by
the viewers.
- Community education and crime prevention. The police department and
the YWCA conduct programs in both English and Spanish. Topics
include immigration, landlord - tenant issues, employment, child abuse,
domestic violence, and education.
- English for Speakers of Other Languages. English classes are held to help
residents become familiar with English and, in the long run, make
them more employable and eligible for higher - paying positions; general
educational development (GED) instruction and job training is also
offered.
- Basic Spanish for offi cers. Clearwater police offi cers and other employees
are taught Spanish by the local school board so they will not have to rely
on YWCA interpreters. Because there are no bilingual employees in the
911 Communications Center, the center uses an AT & T language line to
connect employees with a bilingual interpreter who translates in a three -
way call. Having staff who can speak Spanish is important; under the
