Chatting with police in a language other than English will become far easier with a new app aimed at breaking down barriers and building trust.
A new NSW Police app unveiled on Wednesday provides 12,000 officers access to commonly used phrases in 29 languages.
Where speakers hit a snag, easy access to interpreters around the clock is also available.
About 30 per cent of the NSW population were born overseas and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home, making it one of the nation's most multicultural states.
"As our multicultural landscape evolves, we're evolving the systems that help police do their job more effectively," Police Minister Yasmin Catley said on Wednesday.
The app includes translation for common phrases as well as operational statements, such as for police to tell people they are wearing body-worn video cameras.
It also provides access to certified interpreters.
The app was developed by Multicultural NSW and has been installed on 12,000 NSW Police devices.
Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper said it would break down language barriers and foster trust in the community.
"It provides frontline officers with instant access to pre-recorded phrases and 24/7 interpreters, ensuring those who need support feel heard, understood, protected, and respected," he said.
It would also help officer save time and ease stress in emergencies, assistant commissioner Brett McFadden said.
"The phrases have also been specifically designed by certified interpreters for everyday interactions between police and people, whether they are victims or witnesses," he said.