In the past year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered a record-breaking 2.5 million migrants at the southern border, as reported by the Migration Policy Institute. As these new arrivals settle into communities nationwide, local officials, including police officers, face the challenge of understanding their diverse needs and cultural backgrounds.
The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has dedicated years to studying immigration issues from a law enforcement perspective. Recently, several New York agencies collaborated on their latest study titled “How Law Enforcement Can Better Engage Immigrant Communities.”
Law enforcement professionals emphasize that the relationship between police and the communities they serve is crucial for public safety. However, according to the report, immigrants often hesitate to report crimes or cooperate with investigations.
A survey conducted among PERF members revealed that 21% of respondents identified overcoming fear and distrust as their primary hurdle in working effectively with immigrant populations. The report highlights that many immigrants arrive in the U.S. with preconceived negative perceptions of law enforcement, exacerbated in some areas by anti-immigrant policies.
Albany, the Capital City, received hundreds of asylum seekers last year, but the Albany Police Department noted significant challenges due to a lack of coordination, resulting in insufficient preparation time and gaps in service provision.
Furthermore, Albany police underscored the critical need for translation services and cultural competency training, essential for fostering meaningful relationships with newly arrived immigrants. Despite requests, the department declined an interview with Spectrum News 1.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, highlighted the importance of community safety, irrespective of immigration status. He emphasized the difficulty immigrants face in approaching law enforcement when they fear potential repercussions related to their immigration status.
The report discusses several initiatives adopted by agencies to improve engagement with immigrant communities. These initiatives include appointing refugee liaisons, expanding cultural awareness training programs, and recruiting officers from immigrant and refugee backgrounds.
Awawdeh expressed concerns about the existing system’s ability to facilitate strong relationships and ensure community safety without supportive policies that enable immigrants not only to survive but also to thrive in New York State.
This comprehensive review underscores ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between law enforcement and immigrant communities, recognizing the pivotal role of trust and inclusivity in enhancing public safety and community well-being.
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