PR2004 Apr 12

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wendy Jones 205-391-2310

SHELTON STATE TO OFFER SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSE

FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

Tuscaloosa – Shelton State Community College’s Training for Business and Industry Center (TBI) has partnered with the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force to provide Spanish language classes for narcotics officers.

The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force includes officers from the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Tuscaloosa County Sheriffs Office, Northport Police Department, and the University of Alabama Police Department.

“In speaking with Chief Swindle of Tuscaloosa Police Department, he indicated that with the Hispanic population growth in the Tuscaloosa area, they are confronted on a daily basis with issues dealing with Hispanics. He met with the narcotics division to discuss the communication barrier and they decided to send all of the narcotics agents to our training, said Jill Hayes of Shelton State’s TBI Center.

The six-week introductory level course will be taught by Nicole Diaz and will run from April 29 - June 3 and will be held at the Tuscaloosa Police Department. The materials (textbooks, on-scene survival guides, and CD's) that will be used have been designed by law enforcement personnel along with Spanish instructors.

The Training for Business and Industry Center at Shelton State Community College was created to develop customized designed courses to meet the needs of the West Alabama workforce and employers in the area. For additional information on the TBI Center, contact Jill Hayes at 205/391-2434.