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The Howard County police department released a written policy formalizing the department’s immigration practices.
The policy is not new but is now compiled into one official document to 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.”
Additionally, the police department created a “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 will be printed in English, Spanish and Korean, covers issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, crisis intervention, language services, and many other resources that serve victims of crime and their families.
