It was like giving commands which, to some people, can be offensive, and that can make a situation worse. But on top of that, the training didn't give Troopers the ability to understand a response. This instruction is much more intense and much more effective. The ability to speak and understand Spanish has lots of pluses. At the scene of an emergency where Spanish-speakers are involved, Troopers who understand the language can quickly assess the situation and provide the right kind of help.
Troopers say Spanish-speaking lawbreakers can often turn the language barrier to their advantage.
If in a group, they will sometimes talk among themselves, giving instructions as to what to do and say in a law officer's presence or even plan to attack an officer. With the ability to speak Spanish, a Trooper can see those kinds of problems coming and take action to head them off. In court, Hispanic defendants could say they did not understand their Miranda rights, because they were read to them in English, a language they did not speak. Spanish-trained Troopers can take away that defense. The Spanish-language version of the CVCP web page will allow Hispanic victims of crime to understand the program and how they can take advantage of its services.