The Provo City Council held a work meeting on December 3, 2024, focusing on enhancing police services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The discussion highlighted the need for improved communication and community engagement, particularly as Provo attracts a diverse population from around the world.

The meeting began with a presentation on the challenges faced by the Provo Police Department in serving LEP communities. The department acknowledged that while they have benefited from recruiting individuals with language skills, there has been a lack of systematic assessment and development of these capabilities. The 2023 ACOG report emphasized the necessity for police agencies, including Provo, to enhance their services for LEP individuals.

A proposed language incentive program was introduced, which aims to assess and compensate officers based on their language proficiency. The program will utilize a standardized testing instrument similar to that used by local universities. Officers will be categorized into three proficiency levels, with compensation ranging from $50 to $150 per month based on their scores. This initiative is designed to attract, train, and retain officers with critical language skills, thereby improving service delivery to LEP communities.

Currently, 16 department members have been tested, revealing that four officers are at level 1, nine at level 2, and three at level 3 proficiency. The estimated monthly compensation for these officers totals $1,550, with an annual cost projection of approximately $18,600. The department anticipates that the program could attract an additional ten officers, raising the estimated annual cost to about $29,840.

The discussion underscored the importance of community policing, which relies on building partnerships with residents. The lack of language skills has been identified as a barrier to effective communication and collaboration. The department aims to address this issue not only for Spanish speakers but also for other languages represented in the community, including American Sign Language and various Pacific Island languages.

The meeting concluded with a call for the council to consider the budget implications of the proposed program. The police chief emphasized that a government budget reflects its values and urged the council to prioritize funding that supports the mission of community policing and service to all residents, including those with limited English proficiency.