Biehl gains support for prohibiting officers from asking immigration status

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By Joanne Huist Smith, Staff Writer Updated 7:44 PM Wednesday, January 13, 2010

DAYTON — Police Chief Richard Biehl got a show of support from Dayton’s Hispanic community for prohibiting officers from asking the immigration status of a witness or victim of a crime.

Sister Maria Stacy, director of the local Hispanic Catholic Ministry, Lucia Prier, a social worker at the East End Community Services Center and David E. Larson, an immigration lawyer, commended Biehl’s action during the City Commission meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

“I think the police chief was courageous to issue the policy directive. It was the right thing to do from a human rights and a safety standpoint,” said Larson, recently appointed to Dayton’s Human Relations Council. “It is impossible for any of us to know the extent that crime goes unreported.”

Dayton resident Juan Arias said he believes the executive order lays the groundwork for a better society, a better future.

“I stand before you a human being and ask my rights to be respected,” he said.

Biehl issued the executive order to his nearly 390 officers on Dec. 30.

“It certainly was powerful to have that show of support from members of the community,” Biehl said.

Biehl plans to e-mail all officers a copy of an immigration enforcement policy adopted by Major Cities Chiefs in 2006 that he believes explains the need for the order.

“Assistance and cooperation from immigrant communities is especially important when an immigrant, whether documented or undocumented, is the victim of or witness to a crime. These persons must be encouraged to file reports and come forward with information. Their cooperation is needed to prevent and solve crimes and maintain public order, safety, and security in the whole community,” the policy states.

The policy does not apply to individuals who have been arrested.

Dayton City Commissioner Nan Whaley said she supports the executive order.

“This makes a lot of sense to continue opening doors between our officers and citizens,” she said.

Biehl believes “the vast majority of officers, when they read the e-mail, will get it and they will follow the executive order.”

But, police union President Randy Beane said many FOP members view the chief’s action as taking away a valuable tool.

“We don’t believe it’s unreasonable to ask immigration status. No matter what the status is, we’re not denying service,” Beane said. “We’re not tying to make a social statement with this. We’re just trying to do our jobs. We need to kick butt and take names in the city. Once the city is cleaned up, then bring in the social programs.”

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