Project Director

Crittenden, Courtney A.

Department Examiner

Dierenfeldt, Rick

Department

Dept. of Criminal Justice and Legal Assistant Studies

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

The increase of Latino communities in mid-sized and smaller cities, along with the impact of language competency and lack of programs for law enforcement, has been sufficiently explored, yet issues persist. This study examines the disconnect between Spanish-speaking communities and law enforcement, which has created significant distrust and communication issues. Examining these communities is important because there is still a need to mend these relationships. This study explores the effects of this divide and how to help fix it. Information obtained from law enforcement officers at the Chattanooga Police Department, highlights key issues, including the lack of community-based policing, cultural barriers, and insufficient language resources. The findings emphasize the need for better translation services and improved training programs to build better relationships. Using descriptive analysis the study offers recommendations to bridge the gap and strengthen the relationship between Hispanic communities and law enforcement. By addressing these issues, the research provides valuable insight into improving police-community relations, specifically within the Chattanooga Police Department.

IRB Number

#24-058

Degree

B. S.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Science.

Date

12-2024

Subject

Discrimination in law enforcement--United States; Intercultural communication--United States; Police-community relations--United States

Keyword

Community-police relations; Language barriers; Discrimination; Policy reform; Immigrant communities; Hispanic; Police

Discipline

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Document Type

Theses

Extent

i, 41 leaves

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Download

Share

COinS