Clinton PD roll out body cameras that translate foreign languages in real time
Police in Clinton are trying to overcome language barriers by using a new tool that’ll help them better understand the people they serve.
With the press of a button, the Axon body camera Clinton Police Sergeant Spencer Mangs is wearing records and can translate 50 languages in real time.
In town, officers are using Spanish and Portuguese translation the most.
“Our job is to help, and our profession is based on effective communicating, so we didn’t feel that we had enough resources available,” Mangs said.
State police started using this technology earlier this year. Clinton adopted it a few months ago. Before the upgrade, officers would have to call an outside agency or use their phones to translate.
Mangs said communication is much faster now.
“We’ve helped people recover stolen items, we’ve helped people, victims of domestic violence, understand them better, which is obviously very important in those cases,” he said.
In addition to these new body cameras, Mangs said automated license plate readers have helped them do their jobs. Success stories include busting a multi-state organized retail crime ring, finding missing people and tracking down car jackers, according to the Flock’s transparency portal with Clinton Police.
Flock cameras helped in twenty-three cases last year, according to an annual report from police.
Mangs said this tech is valuable but at the end of the day they are just tools.
“What it comes down to is the officer,” he said. “These tools can’t replace people. We rely on our training, on our judgment when dealing with people and trying to really solve crimes.”
From breaking news and local politics to art exhibitions, live music, high school sports, small businesses, and cultural events, we celebrate the people and places that make Connecticut unique.