Virtual interpretations saving time and maintaining safety

Effective communication in prisons isn’t just a matter of logistics but a critical element of safety, legal compliance, and human rights. As prison populations become increasingly diverse, the demand for interpreting services has grown, raising questions about which mode of interpretation best serves detained individuals and prison staff alike. While face-to-face interpreting has long been the standard, virtual interpretation services are gaining ground, particularly for their cost-effectiveness and safety advantages. But how do they compare in real-world application?

The role of interpreting services in prisons

Interpreting services in prisons are essential for ensuring inmates understand legal rights and proceedings, facilitating medical and psychological care, helping in disciplinary hearings, and supporting educational and rehabilitative initiatives. Poor communication due to language barriers can lead to misunderstandings, increased tension, legal liabilities, and compromised safety for inmates and staff.

Face-to-face Interpreting |The traditional method

Face-to-face (in-person) interpretation remains the most effective method in terms of building trust, capturing non-verbal cues, and navigating emotionally charged or complex conversations.

The pros of face-to-face interpreting services in prison settings

• Nuanced understanding of tone and body language
• Higher level of trust, especially during sensitive conversations
• Better for mental health assessments and therapeutic sessions

The cons of face-to-face interpreting services in prison settings

• Costly due to travel, scheduling, and availability
• Security risks when bringing external personnel into prison settings
• Limited access for rare language needs or remote facilities

Virtual interpretation services |Safe and cost-effective

With the advancement of technology, virtual interpreting has become a powerful alternative, especially during and after the global pandemic.

The pros of virtual interpreting services in prison settings

• Potential for technical issues and connectivity problems
• May feel impersonal or intimidating for some inmates
• Less effective for interpreting emotional or mental health cues

Finding the right balance

The question isn’t whether one mode of interpreting is universally better than the other, it’s about matching the method to the context. For emotionally sensitive or legally critical conversations, face-to-face interpretation might still be the gold standard. However, for routine check-ins, medical appointments, or facilities in remote locations, virtual services offer a reliable and scalable solution.

Prisons must prioritise both communication efficacy and operational efficiency. By blending face-to-face and virtual interpreting services based on need, prisons can provide equitable access to services while managing costs and maintaining safety.

At Silent Sounds, all our qualified interpreters are DBS checked since many often work across various establishments, institutions, and official settings, which means they may be required to assist vulnerable adults or children. In such instances, their role could be classified as a regulated activity, necessitating an Enhanced DBS Check, the highest level of criminal record check.

Are you seeking a trusted interpreting and translations services partner with qualified interpreters?

Contact us today! info@silent-sounds.co.uk