A third of all incidents in police custody requiring an interpreter were during TT, a minister has revealed.
From January to October 2025, the Department of Home Affairs spent £2,898.93 on interpretation services, though costs for police investigations alone are unclear as invoices also cover immigration and customs work.
Justice Minister Jane Poole-Wilson told Keys that last year 2,521 people who were being investigated were identified as not having a sufficient level of English to participate in police proceedings.
Of these, over 800 were during TT fortnight.
Criteria
The minister told members that the criteria for who needs an interpreter are not fixed, noting intoxication could later negate the need.
She explained the decision rests with the custody sergeant, who may be informed by officers, advocates, or an appropriate adult.
She added there was a “responsibility on the state” to ensure understanding in serious proceedings and where a person’s liberty is at stake.