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Spanish‑language police academy draws praise; residents describe changed impressions of law enforcement
Summary
Multiple participants in the Los Banos Police Department’s Spanish‑language citizen academy told the council that the program improved understanding of police work, reduced bias, and helped attendees form connections with people experiencing homelessness.
Several participants in a Spanish‑language citizen academy spoke during the Oct. 15 public forum to thank the city and police for offering training in Spanish and described changed perceptions of law enforcement.
Speakers said the academy provided classes on laws that apply in Los Banos and training topics such as implicit‑bias awareness (the Implicit Association Test was mentioned). Attendees described ride‑alongs that exposed them to the dangers officers face and said that meeting officers and learning about procedures improved trust and allowed participants to make contact with and deliver food to people experiencing homelessness.
City and police staff said the academy reflects outreach to the city’s large Hispanic community, increases capacity by developing bilingual community contacts, and helps break down barriers between residents and officers. Several attendees urged the city to continue offering the academy series in Spanish and expand future cohorts.
Comments were part of the public‑comment period and did not result in formal council action. Quotations in this story are drawn from remarks delivered by Spanish‑language academy participants during the Oct. 15 meeting.
