NCJ Number
188574
Date Published
February 1997
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and findings of an Australian survey that examined police views and attitudes on matters related to servicing Australians of non-English-speaking background (NESB) and on issues of multiculturalism and ethnicity.
Abstract
The survey was conducted from July-October 1995 and involved seven police jurisdictions. A total of 3,200 questionnaires were randomly distributed to members of police agencies. A response rate of 47 percent was achieved, with respondents composed of constables, senior constables, sub-officers, and officers. The survey solicited police attitudes and views on police contact with people of non-English-speaking background; incidents involving people of non-English-speaking background; racist violence and racial vilification/harassment legislation; police understanding of multiculturalism; cross-cultural awareness training for police; recruitment of police from ethnic communities; and legal interpreters. The average operational time that involved contact with NESB people was 11 percent; 30 percent had no colleagues or friends of NESB. Forty-one percent of respondents indicated they were unprepared for dealing with incidents that involved people of NESB. Approximately four out of five respondents reported a relatively low incidence of race-based violence being brought to their attention. Ninety-two percent of respondents indicated a positive attitude regarding the meaning of multiculturalism by correctly identifying the most accurate definition of multiculturalism. Over 40 percent of respondents had participated in cross-cultural awareness training. The proportion of police recruited from ethnic communities was still low. The need for legal interpreters was generally supported by respondents. This report also presents recommendations developed through a national consultation with police jurisdictions based on the survey findings. Appended questionnaire