HOWARD COUNTY — (WMAL) The Howard County Police Department has released new, codified, guidelines related to their immigration policing practices.
While the directives in the policy are not new, they are now listed in one official document to clarify the police department’s long-standing practices in immigration-related issues, and to assuage any fears or concerns that may exist.
“We know this has been an issue of concern for some in our community,” said Police Chief Gary Gardner. “We want to do everything we can to reassure people in Howard County that our police department does not enforce civil violations of federal immigration laws.”
County Executive Allan H. Kittleman played a key role in ensuring the policy would reflect the police department’s existing practices.
“This review and subsequent written policy once again shows our police department’s continued commitment to protect all who live in, work in and visit Howard County,” said Kittleman. “I appreciate the steps our police took by communicating our existing practices with the community and, with the community’s input, turn those practices into a written policy that can be shared with our residents. We want everyone to know that our police are here to protect everyone who calls Howard County home.”
Council Chair Jon Weinstein promoted the effort to clarify the HCPD practices earlier this year. Weinstein says he believes the effort has led to one of the strongest and most clear policies regarding foreign-born individuals in the state.
The police department also has created a new “Guide for Victims and Witnesses,” a brochure that will be handed out by officers to all victims, and includes resources for people who are foreign-born.
The handout, which will be printed in English, Spanish and Korean, covers issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, crisis intervention, language services, assistance in applying for U Visas, and many other resources that serve victims of crime and their families.
The FAQ page on the guidelines released by Howard County state that, “Officers do not ask about immigration status; rare exceptions may include investigations of suspected criminal activity.” and that police would not call ICE to arrest someone for “civil violations” of federal immigration laws.
The full policy, brochure and frequently asked questions can be found on the police department’s website, www.HCPD.org.
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