Thread: Program would verify inmates’ citizenship status

Program would verify inmates' citizenship status

Sheriff’s office pursues free use of federal program

Columbian files

The Clark County Sheriff's Office has applied to use a free federal program that a sheriff's commander said Wednesday will improve the county's system of verifying the citizenship status of inmates. Cmdr. Mike Anderson said he expects it will be implemented at the Clark County Jail within 60 days.

By Stephanie Rice
Columbian Staff Reporter
September 21, 2011

The Clark County Sheriff's Office has applied to use a free federal program that a sheriff's commander said Wednesday will improve the county's system of verifying the citizenship status of inmates.

Cmdr. Mike Anderson told county commissioners six counties (Yakima, Franklin, Benton, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific) in Washington use Secure Communities, a program launched in 2008 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The program has been in the news because of questions raised by a subcommittee of the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

A recently issued report by the task force said the program has had unintended local impacts.