Today, the NSW Government unveiled new technology that allows every police officer across NSW to access interpreting services 24/7.
Language+ is a mobile application designed to facilitate more effective communication between police and community members who may not be fluent in English.
The app features over 200 commonly used phrases translated and recorded in 29 languages.
It also provides officers with direct access to a dedicated team of certified interpreters, ensuring critical information can be conveyed quickly and accurately.
The app was soft launched last week and is now on 12,000 police devices.
In that time, more than 1,500 users accessed the app.
The Language+ app was developed by Multicultural NSW specifically for the NSW Police Force and in consultation with community and frontline officers.
The app enables more effective communication between police and the community, fostering trust, improving engagement in day-to-day interactions, as well as being important in critical incidents.
According to the 2021 Census, about 30 per cent of the people in NSW were born overseas, and more than one in four speak a language other than English at home.
The app also helps streamline police resources, enabling officers to respond to incidents more quickly and efficiently, allowing them to move on to the next task.
Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said:
"The NSW Government and NSW Police Force are dedicated to supporting every community and as our multicultural landscape evolves, we're evolving the systems that help police do their job more effectively.
"Being a police officer is more demanding than ever, but with new technology, we're making it easier for them to serve and protect the community.
"Language+ gives every front-line officer instant access to professional Multicultural NSW interpreters, 24/7 - so they have the tools and confidence to keep our communities safe."
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
"The new Language+ app ensures more effective communication between police and the community, breaking down language barriers and fostering trust.
"It provides frontline officers with instant access to pre-recorded phrases and 24/7 interpreters, ensuring those who need support feel heard, understood, protected, and respected.
"This initiative is a great example of the NSW Government's multi-agency approach to strengthening social cohesion in our diverse state.
"The Language+ app is the result of a strong collaboration between NSW Police and Multicultural NSW to deliver better services for the people of NSW."
Multiculturalism Corporate Sponsor and South West Region Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said:
"We hope this app will help build trust with communities by minimising misunderstanding and reducing stress and frustration during emergencies.
"The app should help officers save valuable time when communicating with members of the community.
"The phrases have also been specifically designed by certified interpreters for everyday interactions between police and people, whether they are victims or witnesses."
