Interpreting in Law Enforcement Settings with Dr. Debra Russell

This Masterclass will centre on best practices for interpreters working with law enforcement agencies, with a particular focus on interpreting for the police.

It is designed to teach interpreters the practical skills and knowledge required to work effectively in police settings while understanding the Canadian legal context.

REGISTRATION CLOSED / COURSE FULL

Workshop Overview

This specialized Masterclass is designed for interpreters working in legal, court and community settings who want to deepen their skills in law enforcement interpreting. With a focus on real-world application, participants will engage in hands-on activities using police transcripts and case studies.

Led by Dr. Debra Russell, this interactive session includes role-play exercises that will challenge and refine participants' ability to accurately interpret complex, emotionally charged, and sensitive communications between civilians and law enforcement personnel. Ethical dilemmas, professional boundaries, and the consequences of interpreter errors will also be explored, equipping interpreters with practical strategies to manage dynamic situations.

Participants will leave the workshop with a greater understanding of the protocols, expectations, and pressures unique to interpreting in policing contexts—and the confidence to perform their roles with accuracy and professionalism.

Participants will learn to:

• Be better prepared to handle the demands of interpreting in law enforcement settings.
• Communicate effectively with police personnel and navigate law enforcement structures.
• Address ethical dilemmas with clarity and confidence.
• Apply interpreting strategies that uphold standards in legal contexts.
• Understand the real-world consequences of interpreter errors—and how to avoid them.
• Reflect on personal positioning and neutrality in adversarial or emotionally intense environments.

Who Should Attend

This Masterclass is ideally suited for:

• Community and Legal Interpreters – Interpreters working with police services, legal aid, or in community settings involving public safety and justice-related interactions.
• New Interpreters that want to be prepared for and expand their service offerings to law enforcement and legal domains.
• Interpreting Students aiming to develop competence in interpreting for policing, legal inquiries, or court proceedings.

Material and Technical Requirements

• Desktop or laptop computer (smartphones or tablets are NOT recommended)
• Zoom (recentversion)
• Headset / webcam
• Stable internet (preferably high-speed)
• Ethernet cable (suggested)
• Additional device for self-recording (smartphone or voice recorder that can rewind/playback on-demand)
• Notepad and writing tools
• Access to email/online browser during session