Language Access

Resources

Click "Translate" on the top right of the screen and select your language from the drop down menu.

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Albuquerque is a city where many people speak different languages and come from many cultures. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 1 out of 5 people speak a language other than English at home.Other than a variety of spoken languages Albuquerque has many people who are deaf and hard of hearing. As an immigrant friendly city, Albuquerque welcomes refugees , immigrants and people seeking asylum.
The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) wants to make sure that everyone,no matter what language they speak, can get the help they need, since accessing services and resources can be harder for people who don't speak or understand English.
To help with this, APD shares written information in different languages and uses interpreters to communicate with people from all backgrounds. This helps make sure everyone is treated fairly and can access services.

What is Language Access?

Language access means being able to get services and information in a language you understand. It helps people who don’t speak English well or who have trouble communicating to get fair and equal help.
In the U.S., everyone has the right to language access, no matter what language they communicate in or their immigration status . This is part of federal laws like the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Title VI, Civil Rights Act, 1964, Title II, Americans with Disabilities Act)

What is Interpretation and How Can You Request it?

Interpretation is when a person helps you communicate with another person that speaks a different language than yours. Interpretation can be spoken, signed via sign language, or tactile . This helps people who speak different languages understand each other. It is especially important when communicating with the police.
If you don’t speak English, or speak some English but feel more comfortable communicating in another language, let an APD officer or staff member know what language you prefer. This helps us find the right interpreter for you.

I Speak Cards

These cards can be shown to identify the language you speak and that you may need interpretation services.

Language Access Implementation Committee

In 2023 the Albuquerque Police Department created its first language access implementation committee made up of volunteers from several different areas within APD and a City representative of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA). The committee meets monthly to discuss issues and find solutions to increase access to services and make communication easier between the public and APD when they speak different languages.

Read committee member bios.

Language Access Feedback

If you received services recently from APD, we would love to hear your feedback!