All crime suspects will be asked about immigration status
Casey Newton
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 15, 2008 03:46 PM

All people suspected of committing crimes in Phoenix will be asked about their immigration status under revisions to a controversial police policy unveiled Friday.

Whether they commit a felony or misdemeanor, anyone police believe to have broken the law will be asked about their citizenship. Officials who developed the new policy said the changes would improve public safety while protecting the constitutional rights of people who are detained.

The new policy, created by a four-man panel appointed by Mayor Phil Gordon and endorsed by Police Chief Jack Harris, is expected to take effect in 60 to 90 days.

Changes to Operations Order 1.4 are designed to create a “bright lineâ€