Incarcerated foreign nationals cost the United States over $1 billion in fiscal year 1993-94 and this figure has continued to rise in each subsequent year. The bulk of incarcerated foreign nationals have been from the Western Hemisphere, especially Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Forecasts predict that the influx of foreign nationals from these areas will continue to rise.

Conversational Spanish for Criminal Justice Workers is a pocket-sized booklet crafted especially for front-line staff who need to communicate effectively with those in their custody. Thousands of criminal justice workers use this compact guide every day. It can be put to work immediately, covering topics such as: mail, visiting, food service, medical services, warnings, religion and more. Each entry features a guide to pronunciation for the benefit of those with limited previous exposure to Spanish.