Hispanic group seeks better relations

September 29, 2008 11:45 PM ET

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Members of a statewide Hispanic group are urging the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Department to improve its communication efforts with the Hispanic community.

Several members of the Governor's Advisory Council on Latin American and Hispanic Affairs questioned Sheriff John Whetsel yesterday. They wanted information about Whetsel's policy of stopping Hispanics and asked about the number of Hispanics his office employs.

Whetsel told the council he is willing to work with Hispanic groups. But the sheriff wouldn't apologize for recent efforts to crack down on gang members who were in the country illegally and had warrants out for their arrests.

Whetsel says about 15% of the 500 employees at the county jail are Hispanic.


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