Law Enforcement Leaders Across the Nation Raise Serious Concerns Over Arizona's New Immigration Law

Los Angeles Police Chief, Charlie Beck, and other law enforcement leaders from municipalities across the nation, including Pheonix, Tuscon, Philadelphia, and Houston, have raised serious concerns about Arizona’s new immigration law, Arizona Senate Bill 1070. The law enforcement leaders believe the new law will make it even more difficult for them to do their day-to-day police work, and that it will create hostility and uneasiness between officers and the communities they are supposed to protect.

Chief Beck and others are concerned that the new law will likely dissuade immigrants, both documented and undocumented, from coming forward as victims and witnesses to crimes. Immigrants are already hesitant to speak with police officers about crimes in their neighborhoods, and local police departments must work diligently to instill confidence and trust in officers. According to Chief Beck, “The primary job of a local police department is not the enforcement of immigration status. The primary job of law enforcement is to protect the public and keep us free from crime.” For more information, please visit: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/05/chief-beck-says-arizona-immigration-law-could-cripple-law-enforcement.html

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