The city of Gainesville, population 54,000, has an undocumented population of im

Question

The city of Gainesville, population 54,000, has an undocumented population of immigrants totaling an estimated 3,200 people. This population is clustered largely in the southeastern portion of the city. Law enforcement is faced with the challenge of protecting this population from crime, while at the same time law enforcement is also charged with enforcing laws that prohibit illegal immigration. If law enforcement enforces the immigration policies, then the undocumented immigrants may be hesitant to call the police when they need assistance. As a result, however, crime within this area may increase. If law enforcement does not enforce these laws, then it may be neglecting its duty. What should the police department do? As a part of this, please identify the different stakeholders and constituents impacted by this policy, and assess any social, political, cultural, and ethical implications.

Explanation / Answer

The majority of undocumented population is believed to be law abiding except they come illegally or stayed in the U.S. after a temporary visa or a tourist visa has expired. Police agencies have embraced a policing strategy known as community oriented policing. It is more or less developing trust between community residents and law enforcement officials. Building trust in nothing but getting immigrants to know that if they are victimized by a crime or if they witness a crime, they should approach the police and not fear immigrant-related consequences.

On account of community oriented policing, crime rates have dropped dramatically and this downward trend was attributed to many state and local police agencies, to community policing strategies. This encouraged local police to keep distance some between the federal immigration law enforcement and day-to-day duties of their local peace officers. As on date, many states, counties, city councils and police departments have adopted confidentiality policies prohibiting immigration status inquiries of people not suspected of having committed crimes. The immigration population also wants to preserve the trust they have built between the police and community residents.

The opponents of immigration make the claim that confidentiality policies attract illegal immigrants and they are attracted to jobs. Confidentiality policies do not violate existing laws and the policies established by local ordinances or police department policies treat immigration status as confidential matter and prohibits employees from inquiring about it.

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