NCJ Number
83553
Journal
Police Magazine Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1982) Pages: 10-15,17-21,24-26
Date Published
1982
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article describes the problems posed to law enforcement by the large numbers of immigrants who have come to the United States in recent years and police attitudes and effects to address these problems.
Abstract
Almost five million refugees, illegal aliens, and immigrants from Cuba, Southeast Asia, Haiti, the Soviet Union, and other nations have come to the United States over the last decade. As a result, police officers are confronted with alien languages and bewildering customs. In addition, some particularly cunning criminals have sprung from these communities, and their victims often refuse to cooperate with the police. Police officials must decide how best to use their limited resources to provide police services to the new culture, investigate crime, or educate officers in the new languages and customs. Many police departments have hired translators and added language courses to their inservice training programs. However, the recession, tight budgets, and a growing national disaffection for minorities and aliens may end many of these efforts. Some observers are predicting racially motivated violence and an increase in mental health problems in the new immigrant ghettos. Disagreement exists about whether the police should provide only standard police services or whether they should go far beyond that basic role and help build community morale. Whereas police historically had an immediate, intimate relationship with immigrants, modern police officers view themselves as action-oriented crimefighters and are separated from communities by their use of patrol cars. In addition, numerous problems have been caused by barriers posed by language and customs. Federal cutbacks in welfare and food stamps are further aggravating these problems in immigrant communities. Nevertheless, most police leaders believe that they should respond to the unique needs of the new ethnic communities. Photographs and discussions of organized crime among immigrants and of crime among specific immigrant groups are included.