A new program is helping New Yorkers improve their English skills. The NYPD started the program only a few months ago to help bridge the gap between the Hispanic community and the police.

Alexander Rodriguez-Areres, a student at Lehman College, participates in the program. He moved to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic two years ago.

What You Need To Know

  • A new program is helping New Yorkers improve their English skills

  • The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau offers free sessions to people looking to improve their English

  • Officers get a certification to help people who speak Spanish learn English

  • The program has been around for around three months

One of the biggest challenges for him has been learning English as a second language.

So on Tuesday, he attended his first English as a second language session hosted by the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau.

At the class, officers speak Spanish and help students learn English.

“I’m nervous talking in English," Rodriguez-Areres said.

Officers in the NYPD get a certification in linguistics so that they are able to tutor English as a second language. The goal for the NYPD is to eventually bring this to communities throughout the five boroughs.

“It is a new, innovative way to have our police officers have many talents and many expertise to be able to connect better with the Spanish speaking community," Alden Foster, the executive director of the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, said.

Sargent Jesus Santos is one of the tutors. He says he wishes he had something like this for his family, who wanted to improve their English speaking skills years ago.

“My parents got kind of taught by me in a sense, so it’s an awesome experience having to give back to the community and let them know that we are here," Santos said.

The program is only in its third month. It is free and anybody in the city is welcome to attend. Since it started, it’s become popular.

“When we first started, it was four people, and within two or three weeks, it went up to 70 people," Mark Stewart, the deputy commissioner of the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, said.

After attending class, Rodriguez-Areres is eager to hone his skills and take his dreams to the next level.

“It’s my passion," Rodriguez-Areres said.

The sessions are held at The Armory in Washington Heights and the 46th Precinct building at 2120 Ryer Ave. in the Bronx every Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information, send an email to CABESL@NYPD.org.