Instant Translation Services Now Available To New Brunswick Police

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - In a department-wide effort to bridge the language gap in New Brunswick, city officials announced a new instant translation service available to all New Brunswick police officers.

Every New Brunswick police officer now has access to a live language interpreter for more than 200 languages and dialects 24/7, the city said Wednesday.

“Strong and ongoing communication has always been a priceless tool for both law enforcement and our residents,” said Mayor Jim Cahill. “This platform provides for instant interaction between the two; not only thinning the language barrier, but allowing the City to remove that barrier completely.”

The service, which was not named in a statement from the city provided to Patch, offers real-time video interpretation akin to a modern telehealth appointment.

Services are available instantaneously or can be scheduled in advance.
According to U.S. Census data, 55 percent of New Brunswick residents over five years old speak a language other than English at home. 32 percent of New Brunswick residents were also born in another country, the census found.