Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the views of police officers working in a diverse community toward the English-only movement and related language legislation. Using a qualitative approach, this study attempted to fill a gap in the literature regarding police attitudes toward language legislation and the effects of that legislation on linguistically diverse communities. A descriptive approach, which included a multiple case study of eight police officers, was used due to the complexity of their experiences and the interplay of cultural attitudes, politics, personal characteristics and context that influenced the police officers' interaction with the community. Through interviews with the participants, it was the intent of this study to develop understandings and explanations for the way police officers perceived, and interpreted language issues. Understandings and explanations gained by the study could contribute to knowledge of the role of language and culture in law enforcement and the effects of language legislation on linguistically diverse populations.
Shekdar, Wendy Jones (1997). The English-only movement as it impacts police officers: interviews with law enforcement personnel. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1997 -THESIS -S535.