Editorial: Spanish-speaking aid helps victims

Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002 | 8:43 a.m.

As early as this fall Metro Police should receive an infusion of federal funds to enhance a program that is designed to help both undocumented and legal immigrants who are crime victims. Sen. Harry Reid helped secure about $500,000 from Congress this year, money that will be used to hire as many as 10 Spanish-language interpreters to work in Metro Police's Hispanic American Resources Team.

There are between 60,000 to 125,000 undocumented immigrants in Southern Nevada. And for those who are crime victims, they may fear reporting it to the police because they worry about being deported. Having someone who speaks English can help alleviate undocumented workers' fears of the police, so that they understand that the police are there to help victims and not deport them. Legal immigrants who aren't as familiar with English also can be in need of interpreters, another program highlight.

But it is undocumented immigrants who are especially at risk. Metro Police says the most common crimes against them are fraud, including immigration fraud, extortion and domestic violence. It would be unconscionable to not extend Spanish-speaking assistance to victims so that police can solve crimes against them. Without such a program, immigrants would be even more vulnerable to criminals, who would think they're easy prey.