As a professional court interpreter, I am an integral officer of the court within the Ministry of the Attorney General. It is essential that interpreters like me are recognized and respected for our role within the justice system. We are not merely facilitators; we are vital components of the legal process, possessing a high level of responsibility and expertise. Yet, requiring accredited interpreters to undergo repetitive and intrusive security searches when entering and exiting court facilities undermines our status and creates an atmosphere of distrust, compromising our professional dignity.

Interpreters, especially those who are Fully or Conditionally Accredited, deserve treatment that reflects the significance of our role. We undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict ethical standards to ensure the smooth facilitation of justice. However, the current security screening protocols fail to acknowledge our contribution and treat us as potential security risks rather than trusted collaborators.

The current practice not only disrupts our workflow but also highlights an unjustified level of mistrust towards professionals tasked with ensuring justice is served fairly and accurately. In no other profession are recognized officers of their respective fields subjected to such routine scrutiny. The time spent in line for these searches is time wasted, which could otherwise be contributing to the efficient operation of court proceedings.

Moreover, the repeated searches can have a psychological impact, detracting from our ability to perform our duties with full confidence and focus. The effect of these invasive procedures can ripple out to undermine morale and the overall efficiency of the justice system.

Our request is straightforward: revise the current security screening protocols to exempt Fully and Conditionally Accredited Court Interpreters from routine searches. This change will not only uphold the dignity of court interpreters but also enhance the efficiency and reputation of the court system at large.

We urge the Ministry of the Attorney General to acknowledge the intricate role we play and to modify the screening procedures accordingly. Taking this step will demonstrate respect for our profession, foster trust and collaboration within court environments, and ultimately contribute to a more dignified and efficient justice process.

Please sign this petition to support the recognition of court interpreters as fundamental officers of the court and to help improve the judiciary's operational efficiency.