HNLEA supports House Bill 908 as Amended
Judiciary Committee of the House of Delegates
The Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association (HNLEA)
wholeheartedly supports House Bill 908 as amended, Police Training and
Standards Commission – Police Officer Certification, allowing lawfully admitted
permanent residents of the United States to be eligible for law enforcement
certification.
The Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association is a
nonprofit association of Latino and minority law enforcement professionals
involved in the administration of justice and dedicated to the advancement of
Hispanic and minority interests in the law enforcement profession.
HNLEA supports this amendment because of the great need for
law enforcement across the country to be reflective of the communities we
serve. Many times, agencies across the country struggle to find qualified
minorities that are reflective of the communities they serve. Allowing
permanent residents the opportunity to serve in the law enforcement field could
increase the pool of qualified police applicants. In addition, events such
as Ferguson Mo., Chicago Ill., Baltimore Md., and recently reported unfair
police practices in Prince George’s County Md. have eroded the trust in law
enforcement by minority communities to unprecedented levels. This has fueled a
greater need for diversity within the law enforcement community in order to
rebuild trust.
From a community policing perspective, being more reflective
of the community we serve builds trust and creates new partnerships. A small
gesture such as speaking one's native language can go a long way in building
this trust. Trust that is needed in order to efficiently solve crimes and
effectively serve the people.
Amendment of House Bill 908 would help law enforcement regain
its edge and repair the damage done from negative police community
relations.
HNLEA urges a positive report on House Bill 908.
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