Multi-Cultural Outreach Program

In an effort to reach out to the growing minority population in the county, the Howard County Police Department has undertaken the development of a Multi-Cultural Liaison Program.

Corporal Alan Shaffer currently serves as the Multi-Cultural Liaison Officer.

Multi-Cultural Outreach Program Goals

• To establish positive relations with diverse community groups in order that persons will call the police when needed and help reduce crime and victimization. To build relationships with civic groups, local industry, businesses, and members of the community.

• To recruit bilingual volunteers to assist in neighborhoods with large non-English speaking populations. These volunteers will assist with answering questions about Police matters and County Services available to residents.

• To actively recruit qualified culturally diverse candidates for employment with the Howard County Police Department.

• To assist Patrol, Criminal Investigation Division, and Specialized Unit Detectives with investigations and any other detail as needed. To respond to incidents of a critical or emergency nature involving non-English speaking subjects. To coordinate between crime victims and police as needed.

• To assist in the training of officers with instruction aimed at eliminating cultural and language barriers.

• To provide assistance by explaining DUI laws and education in traffic safety to the culturally diverse community. This will help to reduce the number of DUI arrests, reduce crashes, reduce fatalities, and increase traffic safety awareness in general.

• The Multi-Cultural Liaison Officer can be reached by phone at 410-313-6085 during regular business hours. You can also leave a voice mail on the Spanish Language line, 410-313-7807. E-mail ashaffer@howardcountymd.gov. In case of emergency, call 911.