Southeastern province hires Arabic-speaking policemen to aid Syrians

GAZİANTEP - Doğan News Agency (DHA)

DHA photo

Arabic-speaking police officers have been hired in the southeastern province of Gaziantep to help the increasing number of visitors from Syria.
 
Syrian tourists and businessmen coming to Gaziantep had increased after visa requirements were mutually lifted by the two countries. 
 
Gaziantep Police Chief Süleyman Oğuz said they employed Arab-speaking personnel to work at the department's emergency call center, foreigner's center, and on the road between Gaziantep and Kilis to help Syrian visitors with their security and logistical needs.
 
"We already had English-speaking police officers at the emergency call center, but now we have employed Arab-speaking officers to immediately respond to the complaints and requests of our visitors," Oğuz said. 
 
Oğuz said they had posted Arab-speaking personnel at the checkpoints on the road between Kilis and Gaziantep, which was the main route used by Syrian visitors. "Our officers greet drivers of cars with Syrian plates in Arabic and ask if they need any assistance with directions or any other matter."
 
Police officers at the emergency call center directed Arabic-speaking callers to relevant personnel after saying "Dakikaten" to the caller, which meant "one moment," Oğuz said.