NCJ Number
122835
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 59 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1990) Pages: 6-11
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Dramatic changes in the racial composition of American society have profound implications for law enforcement, particularly because many legal and illegal immigrants to the United States represent different races, ethnic groups, religions, and cultures.
Abstract
Race constitutes a major barrier to full participation in American society, with de facto segregation keeping many minorities trapped in inner city neighborhoods where crime and drugs are prevalent. Immigrants often cluster in specific areas, which makes their combined impact on certain communities far greater than if they were dispersed evenly nationwide. Where immigrants cluster in poor neighborhoods with high crime rates, the police must guard against stereotyping. In addition, many immigrants may become crime victims due to their ignorance of U.S. laws and customs; fear of the police will also work against them. The primary challenge for law enforcement is to find ways to meet the needs of minorities, with special concern for racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity and minorities' specific vulnerabilities. A community policing approach offers law enforcement officers unique flexibility in tailoring their response to meet local needs in ways that promote sensitivity and respect for minority concerns. The recruitment of bilingual and minority police officers will facilitate the community policing approach. 2 references.