Strengthening Relationships between Police and Immigrant Communities in a Complex Political Environment: Multicultural Outreach and Engagement Programs for Police Agencies
Publication Date: 2018
Abstract: In recent years, immigration enforcement has become a sensitive political issue at the local, state, and federal levels. State legislation supporting stricter immigration enforcement and highly publicized news stories of deportations, travel bans, and family separations have caused many immigrants to live in fear and to view law enforcement agencies at all levels warily. This political environment has led to strained relationships between local police agencies and the immigrant communities they serve. Relationships of trust between community members and the police are critical to public safety because crime victims and witnesses are more likely to call the police and assist in investigations if they trust the police. This benefits the entire community by helping to ensure that perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted. Community trust in the police also is important because it helps to ensure that immigrant communities are not exploited or targeted for victimization. In response to the new challenges and heightened fears, police departments are developing innovative strategies to strengthen relationships with their immigrant communities. This report highlights promising practices and outreach and engagement initiatives spearheaded by the Seattle Police Department; the Herndon, Virginia Police Department; and law enforcement agencies in Eagle County, Colorado.