Edmonton police to use mobile app service-wide to overcome language barriers

The Edmonton Police Service is rolling out a language interpreting service across the entire force in an effort to increase communication with communities.

EPS announced Wednesday that officers will have access to an app called InterpretManager, which will allow them to have access to 17,000 interpreters.

The Calgary-based app was being used in a pilot project by EPS since 2021, and has language services in over 300 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL).

“To provide excellent service in our diverse and growing city, officers must find ways to connect with residents who prefer or need to communicate in a language other than English,” said Iman Saidi, EPS Language Services Unit Lead.

EPS has already been using additional resources since 2019, which includes a hotkey for 9-1-1 to connect with interpreters and training members who have additional language skills on how to properly use those skills in a police setting.