Law Enforcement Field Guide

Well, I liked the guide but I do have one concern. Whoever worked on the Spanish section of this guide needs to go back to Spanish class and get a refresher. lol! Some areas in The Spanish section of this guide need some attention. May get some cops in trouble if they try to repeat what they learn in this portion of the guide. And we all know these poor souls have enough trouble just trying to express/convey their ideas out in their community using English. Humor aside, certain words/numbers and phrases translated from english to spanish do need to be corrected in the following sections.- MIRANDA WARNING: The word "UNDERSTAND" is misspelled in spanish.It's correct spelling is "entiende" with an "i" after the "t" Not "entende"- HIGH RISK TRAFFIC: "Cross your feet at the ankles" The spelling of "cross " in this phrase is spelled "cruze" with a "z" not a "c".- BASIC COMMANDS: Get out of the car! Should be "Salga del carro" Not "salga carro" Here you are saying "Get out car" The word "del" is needed to indicate what you want the individual to get out from. That said, keep in mind that in Spanish certain words will vary depending on the gender or the amount of people you are speaking to. If there is more than one suspect inside a car and you want them all out. You would say "salgan" with an "n" at the end. This is where you really have to ensure that the commands/instruction being given to the suspect/s are correctly translated/understood. An error in translation/communication could prove fatal in an encounter.The word "stop" could be communicated in several ways. Besides "pare" You could use the phrase "pare alli" to be more specific on where you want them to stop- "Stop right there". You could also use "alto" for "stop" or "detengase alli" to say "Stop right there." If more than one suspect is being ordered to stop you would simply add an "n" after the "a" "Detenganse alli" While brevity in LE communication is important in certain situations one must also consider that it doesn't do an officer any good if the suspect does not understand what they are trying to convey to them. A misunderstanding in communication/error in translation can needlessly escelate an already hostile/tense situation into a deadly scenario that I am sure no one wants. After all folks, cops are supposed to be peacemakers as well as the enforcers of our laws.Another phrase to consider fixing is "usted esta arrestado". A more effective way to consider phrasing this in spanish is "Usted esta bajo arresto" Bajo = under, arresto=arrest . The way it is phrased in the guide, "usted esta arrestado", may get the idea across to some native spanish speakers but sound awkward. Translated from Spanish to english, "You are arrested." Sounds awkward right? Consider including the word "under" in Spanish. Use "bajo" for a complete/correct translation. Now, if you simply wanted to inform a suspect of thier situation/status after having been asked, "Am I under arrest/detained OR am I free to go?" Depending on encounter/scenario, you would reply with either yes or no. Si. Si está detenido/bajo arresto OR No, no está detenido/bajo arresto. The word "detenido/detained"" has been used loosely to mean both arrest and detention. Unfortunately, this has caused confusion among many spanish language students. One phrase that I do not see in the guide that I feel should be included is "Am I free to go" It translates to "Estoy libre para irme" As a LEO you may not say this phrase or at least we hope you will never be in a position to have to say it anyway. lol! Regardless, It helps to become familiar with the phrase should one of your "detained" suspects pops the question. Remember folks, the word detenido is Spanish for detained not arrested. Dont forget to add an "s" at the end if you are dealing with more than one suspect.QUESTIONS: "Do you understand?" translated incorrectly as "tiene usted____? Translated to english you are saying, "You have ____?" The correct translation is " Entiende usted? For brevity you could also consider dropping the Spanish word for you, "usted", from the question and simply ask the suspect, "Entiende?" "Understand?" Remember if more than one suspect is being spoken too it is important to use the right tense. Singular = "entiende, entendio OR entiendes" could be used. Plural = "entienden". Simply add an "n" at the end.The word translated to mean needles. more than one, was misspelled. It's correct spelling is "agujas". Use "aguja" when it just one needle.MONTHS: NOW.....I am not totally sure what happened in this section of the guide but the month of July was left out on the English side and the Spanish translation of the month of June(Junio) was left out on the Spanish side.NUMBERS: I realize some of the following numbers may have been spelled out this way to ensure proper pronunciation. However, the way they are currently spelled is incorrect.20 = veinte, NOT "viente" The "i" goes after the "e" not before it.16 = dieciseis, NOT "Diez y seis" Common mistake/confuses some students because most folks were taught to spell it with a "z" at the end. Which is correct by the way.... IF not combined with another number. The number six on the other hand does not change. It just melts into one single word with some minor changes like this "dieciseis" The "z" in "diez" is dropped and replaced with a "c", the letter "y" is also dropped and replaced with a an "i" . So, anyones head spinning/ready to explode yet? lol! This would give The Count from Sesame Street nightmares! AH! AH! AH! My head! lol! Confusing I know. But those are the rules. Same situation with number 17.17 = diecisiete NOT diez y siete.I do hope the author/s behind this LE tool do not take offense to what I stated here. Not my intention to offend/ridicule anyone. It's obvious this handy LE pocket field guide was created with the idea to enhance the abilities of our people in law enforcement Rookie officers or seasoned. Precise/effective communication is one of the most important skills an officer will harness and keep developing through out their career in LE. Stay frosty out there LEOS! It's a crazy world we are living in.

The book covers a wide variety of topics that a Law Enforcement Officer will encounter in performing his/her duty. It was good to see how the book was broken down into sections. It makes it easy to find the right info needed.It covers exactly what to do in situations such as someone who is choking for example. It tells exactly the steps to take for each situation listed.I also liked the section on Traffic/Dui.The fact that the book is small and compact makes it the perfect reference to have on hand and can be carried with the officer while on duty. It fits in a pants pocket with ease.I highly recommend this book.

I found this booklet most useful, I carry it in my duty bag! Good quick reference material.

Looks to be a little outdated by like 5 years in some areas. Oddly, there were also typos if I recall correctly

As a pocket reference this very small pocketable guide is probably unique and likely to be useful to some people. Unfortunately it has quite a few typos and errors and clearly wasn't proofread. For example, the section on handling foreign nationals points to info on page 36 and 37 that is actually on page 80-81. A number of sentences are missing the last words, often making their point more than a little obscure.If it was 1/2 the price and had fewer errors I'd say it was a great value but as is it gets 3 stars from me.

This is a good reference guide for a rookie out of the academy or an experienced officer to brush up on things. It has a lot more info thank I thought it was going to have when I bought it. Perfect for the Patrol bag.

Great little reference book. Great to have in you patrol bag! Obviously isn't everything you need to know but it has the basics and a lot more extras. Would recommend for rookies and experienced officers alike.

Has great information that helps me as a new certified officer.

Great Item, lots of information....