Charleston Police Department Instigates New Position to Augment Relations with the Hispanic Community
The city of Charleston, which has been witnessing a steady increase in its Hispanic population, is making significant strides to promote better communication and foster trust within this segment of the community. As part of these efforts, the Charleston Police Department has unveiled a brand-new position intended to bridge the gap between the police force and the Hispanic community.
Peter Guizar has been appointed as the Hispanic community Coordinator for the Charleston Police Department. As a key element in this new role, Guizar will focus on voicing the needs and concerns of the Hispanic population, with the ultimate aim of better serving these members of the community.
Effective Communication to Improve Community Relations
“Effective communication is the cornerstone of any relationship,” Guizar emphasized. “If we can’t effectively communicate, we won’t be able to provide the best support to our community. In this role, I aim to ensure that Hispanics know they have an advocate who speaks their language and understands their culture.”
Guizar’s previous position as a victim advocate within the same department equipped him with firsthand experience of the challenges faced by the Hispanic victims. He believes that his ability to communicate in Spanish and understand their concerns allows for these victims to feel heard and understood.
Building Trust and Breaking Language Barriers
The Charleston Police Department, through this role, intends not only to facilitate better communication but also to build and nurture trust within the Hispanic Community. Guizar assures that the department has no intentions of questioning the Hispanic community’s legal status, addressing a common fear within this group. “We simply want to foster a relationship with the community and let them know we are here to serve,” Guizar mentioned.
Planned Initiatives for the Hispanic Community
Several future projects are already in the pipeline. These include proposed partnerships with organizations already assisting the Hispanic communities and initiatives to engage the area’s Hispanic youth and students. Education workshops will be conducted to acquaint the community with their legal and victims’ rights, as these measures are hoped to further the department’s relationship with the community.
“We want them to feel included. They are a major part of this community, and we want to better serve them and meet their needs,” said Guizar, expressing honour and excitement to take on this significant role.
Future Prospects
While there are currently no immediate plans to expand and focus on other minority groups, Guizar sees it as a future possibility, with the department’s ultimate goal to serve the Charleston community in the most effective and comprehensive way possible.
National Night Out Event
The Charleston Police Department will showcase its newfound commitment to trust-building and community connection during the upcoming National Night Out, set to be hosted at Joseph P. Riley Park on the 6th of August. This community event, complete with games and prizes, is designed to bring the entire Charleston community together, not just the Hispanic segment.