The monthly presentations cover topics requested by community members, ranging from mental health concerns to crime statistics.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont Police Officer Cesar Beattie is working to connect with the city’s Hispanic community through monthly Spanish-language presentations that address concerns and build trust between law enforcement and residents.
Officer Beattie, a member of the police community relations division, hosts the talks to provide Spanish-speaking residents greater access to information about their community while breaking down barriers between police and the people they serve.
“We want to show the love and the support that we have for our community just like they do for us as well,” Officer Beattie said.
The public information officer said language accessibility makes police work more effective in Beaumont’s changing demographics.
“Being able to speak the language and bridge that gap really makes us more successful,” Beattie said.
The monthly presentations cover topics requested by community members, ranging from mental health concerns to crime statistics. Beattie tailors each session to address specific community interests.
“We ask what topic would you like me to prepare for you so that would be like the main presentation if you will,” Officer Beattie said.
Recent presentations have covered school safety issues, including active shooter preparedness.
“For example, this last month we discussed the active shooter in public schools and also the what public schools are doing to protect their children,” Beattie said.
Jesus Abrego, co-director of the multicultural ministry office for the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont, has attended several talks and supports the outreach efforts.
“It’s necessary to have an open dialogue with everybody, to the benefit of the whole community,” Abrego said.
Abrego praised the police department’s awareness of Beaumont’s evolving population.
“We’re really grateful to the Beaumont Police Department and every department within the city that is aware of the changing demographics of our city,” Abrego said.
For Beattie, the initiative goes beyond translation services. He views his role as building meaningful connections with community members.
“Just them knowing that I speak Spanish makes them a lot more comfortable and able to communicate with them, and it almost makes me feel like I can understand their culture in a sense,” Beattie said.
The Beaumont Police Department’s community relations efforts allow officers to take a more personal approach to serving all residents.
“Allows us to be more involved and and take it more personal when it comes to providing service to the entire community of Beaumont, regardless of the language they speak or where they came from,” Beattie said.
The next community meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in the Avenues.