Texas newspapers report that Dallas police officers have written about 40 tickets to people for not speaking English. Presumably, these people were pulled over on the road. They were driving. Once the police chief learned about this, he dismissed all pending citations and reimbursed anyone who paid a fine.
"I was stunned that this would happen," the police chief said at a news conference.
There is no law requiring Dallas residents to speak English, but how do police officers perform their work (which often involves communicating with the public) if they can't be understood or can't themselves understand? When a police officer asks you a question (in the line of duty), you'd better answer him. It's essential that he be answered. It's impossible to expect our police -- government employees who keep law and order in our behalf -- to be able to communicate in any language other than English, our national tongue. The fact that thousands of police officers do indeed speak other languages and routinely use foreign languages for the benefit of citizenry and non-citizenry alike is only a bonus, a favor. Let's keep state business in English, or crucial decisions and split-second communication will degenerate into a Tower of Babel.
Ma'am, do you know why I pulled you over?
- ¿Dónde estoy?
Sir, you were driving 10 miles over the speed limit in a school zone.
- Yo vivo con mi madre.
Miss, would you mind showing me your registration and driver's license?
- Toi se quay lai ngay.
I'm a police officer. Please keep your hands on the steering wheel, where I can see them.
- Lotfan yaddasht konid.
Ma'am, I notice your right tail light is out. You need to get that fixed.
- Je m'en fiche. Au revoir.
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