At the New Americans' Academy in Brooklyn Park last Wednesday, about 17 immigrants questioned police officers for a solid two hours about 911 calls, traffic stops and cultural misconceptions.

One question police didn't have an answer for: how to get out of a speeding ticket.

"It is expected in other countries that if you argue long enough you can get out of a ticket," said Robin Martinson, Brooklyn Park's community liaison officer. "They think it's negotiable."

Immigrants and Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center police officers will meet once a week for six weeks as part of a class that was started last fall. Now in its third session, it helps new arrivals understand the role of police and help officers understand the concerns of new immigrants. Police will cover topics like drunken driving, code enforcement, special-events permits and domestic violence.

"We have so many rules, ordinances and regulations and every city is different," Martinson said. "Now imagine if you are new to this country and don't know them."

The issues can range from simple misunderstandings -- like the commonly cited expectation in Liberia that drivers walk up to police cars when they are pulled over -- to major cultural differences such as punishment of children.

"Sometimes we have the feeling they are not being fair to us," said Kenneth Sengita, who was at the academy. "We need to look at both sides."

While many of the immigrants had concerns about how their accent might affect the police perception of them, Martinson and the other officers tried to make clear that the outcome of a traffic stop has more to do with the driver's attitude.

"If they understand that every traffic stop is done the exact same way then hopefully they won't think it's just them," she said.

The police also explained some basic practices that many Americans are already familiar with, such as a speed trap. "Now I know I have to be careful in a certain area," attendee Isaac Russell said with a laugh.

Another area of concern for the immigrants who attended the class was the role of their children during confrontations with law enforcement. One person expressed concern about officials who confront parents or grandparents who spank their children.

"I think people feel they lose control of their children because they're not able to discipline the way they would in their former countries," Martinson said. "Kids seem to get the upper hand."

Police officers are also working on not using children as interpreters during incidents because it shifts the balance of power in a household, Martinson said.

While police know they have a long way to go to educate every immigrant about the complexities of American law enforcement, Martinson said they are already seeing signs of progress.

"I'm starting to get phone calls from people in the community who have questions," she said. "Some officers have told me there has been a huge improvement when they go to incidents. Some people will try to mediate and say 'I went to the New Americans Academy. I know what to do.'"

Lora Pabst • 612-673-4628