NCJ Number
224050
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 75 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 84-85,87,89,91
Date Published
August 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the issues the Farmers Branch Police Department (FBPD) encountered after the passing of a city ordinance relating to illegal immigrants and the steps the department took to maintain the trust and cooperation of the entire community while carrying out the wishes of the city council and the citizens.
Abstract
Citizens of Farmers Branch, TX overwhelming approved a city ordinance making it a violation for a landlord to rent an apartment to a person living illegally in the United States, expecting that the city would therefore crack down on illegal aliens and placing the FBPD directly in the middle of a hot debate. The Farmers Branch illegal immigration ordinances developed into a very emotional and divisive issue. This article discusses the issues the FBPD encountered and how the department maintained the trust and cooperation of the community, remained politically and tactically neutral, and maintained a working relationship with the city council, and maintained media relations while using the media to educate the public in its mission and the role it would play in the immigration debate. 6 notes