Officer bridges language, cultural gap in DeKalb County, Georgia

“In his role as emissary to the Latino community, Ayala has a cellphone that rings off the hook as Hispanic residents call him to ask for help in navigating a new land with new rules and unexpected obstacles. His main goal is to build trust between the Police Department and the county’s Hispanic population, estimated at 59,000, according to 2004 U.S. Census Bureau data. Ayala says that number is likely on the low side. The community is concentrated in the Buford Highway corridor.

The top crimes affecting Hispanics in DeKalb County are auto break-ins, armed robberies and home burglaries, Ayala said.”

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