The Phoenix City Hall Blog
News and notes about government and politics, live from the 11th floorNew Operations Order 1.4 to be Unveiled Thursday

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We're just getting word that Police Chief Jack Harris plans to unveil the revised Operations Order 1.4 at a press conference Thursday afternoon.

The big question is how it will differ from the policy Harris endorsed in February.

The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, which represents the rank and file, has condemned one aspect of the policy that calls for police to send a one-page form to Immigrations and Custom Enforcement whenever they encounter someone they believe to be an illegal immigrant.

One compromise that has been discussed would allow officers to call ICE after receiving permission from their supervisors.

PLEA President Mark Spencer says officers should have the discretion to contact ICE whenever they want to. He noted that police don't need to get a supervisor's permission to use deadly force, and said the one-page form would add an unnecessary new layer of bureaucracy to immigration enforcement.

In its current version, Operations Order 1.4 prevents police in most cases from asking about a person's immigration status.

The changes recommended earlier this year would call for all people suspected of committing crimes in Phoenix to be asked about their citizenship. The policy would apply to suspects whether they commit a felony or misdemeanor, but would not extend down to the level of the traffic stop.

Critics of the policy have pointed out that anyone booked into jail is already asked about his or her citizenship. In effect, then, the only additional people to be questioned about their status under the new 1.4 would be people who are currently cited for misdemeanors and then released without being booked into jail.

Supporters say the policy will enable Phoenix to deport more criminals who are in Phoenix illegally without developing large-scale operations to deport illegal immigrants who are otherwise abiding the law.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 03:11 PM








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