Classes bridge language barrier between police, immigrants

For those who say they can’t trust the police, immigrant Ramadhan Ndayisaba challenges them to try living in Burundi.

When he first came to the United States a few years ago, Ndayisaba said he had “a lot to learn” about the difference between officers here versus those he knew in his native country. Often those stopped by the police had to bribe them with cash in order to be released unharmed.

“I learned (to not) be afraid when you get pulled over when you see a cop. It’s kind of different (here),” he said. “Back there people get kicked by the cops. They beat you up. But here they won’t do that. They’re much more friendly.”

Ndayisaba served as an interpreter for a new series of classes being taught by Dayton police to the city’s immigrant population. The classes are meant to improve communication between officers and the African, Arabic and Hispanic citizens; who often are just learning English. The idea is to create positive interactions, and teach basic cues that will de-escalate situations while also bridging cultural divides, said Detective Scott Wright, one of the police instructors.

“We want them to feel safe coming to the police. A lot of times they are victims here. We want to make sure they know it’s safe to come to us and get help,” Wright said.

In Burundi, class attendee Eric Ndoricimpa said there are no traffic lines or speed limit signs. The class taught what those signs and lights mean, as well as what to do if you’re pulled over. Working with the officers who taught the class also showed him that the police are approachable, he said.

“Now I’m not as scared as I was before,” Ndoricimpa said through an interpreter.

The free classes are being offered at the St. John’s United Church of Christ and is being funded by the Miami Valley Career Technology Center’s Adult Education Program. Officers hope to expand the program and offer more classes later this year.

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