Law Enforcement Services to a Growing International Community: An Effective Practice Manual

• NCJ Number: 221625
• Author(s): Carmen Mendoza; Stephen Brochu; Juan Garrido; Duego Anselmo; Michael Nguyen; Aksone Inthisone; Brian Whitworth
• Date Published: January 2004
• Length: 121 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: North Carolina Governor's Crime Cmssn; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept
• Sale Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Policy/Procedure Handbook/Manual
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded on January 24, 2008

Annotation

This manual discusses the process of how the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department addressed the challenges to providing effective services to their growing international community and the birth of the department’s International Relations Unit.

Abstract

Charlotte-Mecklenburg has experienced three digit growth in immigration since 1999 with the largest population consisting of Hispanics. After evaluating the needs of the international community and the needs of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), four basic issues were identified: communication, education, criminal activity, and partnerships. The International Relations Unit (IRU) which began in 2000 with a mandate to become a countywide resource committed to improving the quality of life, reducing crime, and fostering mutual trust and respect with members of the international community, was tasked with addressing these four issues. The CMPD/IRU addressed these issues by using the tenants of community policing. They got to know and understand the international community. To accomplish this, the department attended community events and visited faith organizations, workplaces, and associations to introduce themselves. The objective was to develop a positive rapport with the result, open dialogue. Partnering with international community leaders and advocates opened doors and gave the department more credibility with the larger community. The department initiated a contract for an interpreting/translating service in conjunction with the Second Language Incentive Program. The program is useful as a recruiting tool and a motivation for current employees to obtain and maintain their second language skills. To reduce victimization in the international community, a two-step approach was undertaken. First, through educational outreach, translation of crime prevention materials, and more, the CMPD was able to better assist the community in understanding the criminal justice system. Second, the development of the Hispanic Robbery Initiative assisted officers and detectives with cases that were hindered by cultural and language barriers. This manual is largely based on the observations, training, and experience of officers in the IRU and presents the process used in developing the unit and initiatives. References and appendixes I-VII