Police Use of Interpreters: Understanding Police Perceptions, Recognising Current Practice and Informing Best Practice

Abstract

Current research on interpreters in the legal system acknowledges the complexity of their role and the potential for both positive and negative effects of interpreter-mediated communication (Boser, 2013; Heydon & Lai, 2013; Laster & Taylor, 1994). However, reports of the Australian police’s reluctance to provide interpreter services or of using inappropriate people suggest that non-native speaking people may be at risk (Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC), 1992; Gibbons, 2003; McMillan, 2009). Moreover, ineffective use of interpreters can impact the already overextended time and resources of police and risks fracturing relationships with members of the community that they aim to build. To date, the apparent discrepancy between police guidelines that encourage interpreter use and these negative reports has been given limited support by research, as it rarely takes into account the police perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis was to explore the use of interpreters from a policing perspective. A triangulated methodology was devised to investigate police perceptions of using interpreters, how police use interpreters in interviews with suspects, and police policy and guidelines about how to use interpreters. Such an investigation would also allow for an examination of interpreter use by police with victims, witnesses, suspects and informants. Multiple angles of investigation were used because improving police use of interpreters requires an investigation to understand police perceptions, recognise current practice and inform best practice. Considering these three elements will add to the growing empirical understanding of police use of interpreters and make a unique and practical contribution to improved police guidelines and training.