Refugees and Law Enforcement Working Together Building and Crossing Bridges Refugees and Law Enforcement Working Together

Building and Crossing Bridges Refugees and Law Enforcement Working Together Building and Crossing Bridges Refugees and Law Enforcement Working Together

National Crime Prevention Council Washington, DC This publication was developed by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) through funding from the Office of Refugee Resettlement, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under an Interagency Agreement with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. NCPC received the funding through Cooperative Funding Agreement No. 89-DD-CX-K002 with the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Opinions are those of NCPC or cited sources and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of the U.S. Department of Justice or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims of Crime.

The National Crime Prevention Council is a private, nonprofit tax-exempt [501(c)(3)] organization whose principal mission is to enable people to prevent crime and build safer, more caring communities. NCPC publishes books, kits of camera-ready program materials, posters, and informational and policy reports on a variety of crime prevention and community-building subjects. NCPC offers training, technical assistance, and national focus for crime prevention: it acts as secretariat for the Crime Prevention Coalition, more than 120 national, federal, and state organizations committed to preventing crime. It also operates demonstration programs and takes a major leadership role in youth crime prevention. NCPC manages the National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign, which includes the McGruff "Take A Bite Out Of Crime" public service advertising and is substantially funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

This booklet may be reproduced in whole or in part with proper attribution as long as the reproduction is for nonprofit use and not for sale or resale.

Printed in the United States of America

July 1994 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This publication is, in the formal sense, the result of a partnership effort by two federal agencies (the U.S. Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services) and a nonprofit organization (the National Crime Prevention Council). In a very real sense, however, it is the result of partnerships throughout the nation in the sites funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (at the Department of Health and Human Services) and the networks developed by local residents and law enforcement agencies at the local level.

The 16 refugee community sites listed at the end of this document built and crossed the bridges that the document describes. The dedicated involvement of dozens of organizations and hundreds of individuals over nearly two years is at the heart of the program and the knowledge reflected here. These people are the real source, as you will see, of much of the pragmatic knowledge and information that makes this document a rich resource.

At the national level, Chris Gersten, former Director of Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), agreed to partner with the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs (for the Department of Justice.) Lavinia Limon, current Director of ORR, has continued to support efforts to improve relationships between refugee communities and law enforcement. Lenny Glickman, assistant to both of these directors, provided invaluable support. ORR staff members Bill Eckhof and Ron Munia laid important groundwork in this area. At the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Acting Director Jack Nadol has been an advocate for both the interagency partnership and the importance of working to prevent and reduce crime in refugee communities.

Nancy Iris, ORR Program and Management Analyst, as Project Officer for that agency and Donna Schulz, Project Officer for the Bureau of Justice Assistance, were instrumental in developing not just the document but the entire program that underlies it. They continue to make the Interagency Agreement a true working partnership.

At the National Crime Prevention Council, the extraordinary work of S. Jonann Wild as project manager was buttressed by the commitment of Deputy Executive Director Maria Nagorski and Executive Director John A. Calhoun. Karen Williams provided invaluable administrative support. Sarah Hay, a consultant to NCPC, wrote the document you are reading with substantive input from ORR sites and from all the other principals. Editing and production were provided by Jean O'Neil of NCPC.

All those who worked on the program and this document offer their thanks to the thousands of community members who work to welcome refugees and to the law enforcement community that is working to build and cross bridges with these newcomers to our nation.

i ii Building and Crossing Bridges Refugees and Law Enforcement Working Together

Introduction ...... 1 The U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program ...... 2 How This Book Can Help...... 4 A Note About Terms...... 7 General Resources...... 8

Chapter 1. A Chapter for Everyone...... 9 Addressing - and Celebrating - Differences...... 9 Communication - The First Barrier...... 10 Forging Mutual Trust...... 14 Discard Those Useless Stereotypes! ...... 16 If the Goal Is Cultural Bridge-Building, Who Should Lay the First Plank?...... 16 Bridges Can't Be Built in a Day ...... 17 Creating a Multi-Cultural Coalition and Setting Priorities...... 18 A Note About Funding...... 22 Managing Conflicts...... 22 Working With the Media...... 23 Working With Schools...... 24 General Resources...... 25

Chapter II: An Introduction to Refugees for the Law Enforcement Community ...... 27 Why Learn About the Cambodians, the Romanians, the Haitians, or the Laotians?...... 28 Coming to America: A Refugee's Experience in a New Land...... 29 Taking the Lead...... 31 Gaining Access to Refugee Communities Informally and Formally...... 32 Community Relations...... 34 Storefronts...... 36 Community Outreach...... 36

iii Working with Young Refugees...... 37 Hate- or Bias-Motivated Crimes...... 38 Crime Prevention: Personal Safety, Neighborhood and Business Watch...... 40 Evaluating Bridge-Building and -Crossing Efforts...... 41 Successful Bridge-Crossing: A Summary of Actions Law Enforcement Can Take ...... 44 Resources...... 45

Chapter III. An Introduction to Law Enforcement for the Refugee Community...... 47

Changes in Policing in the United States...... 47 An Overview of the Criminal Justice System...... 49 Crime Against Refugees: Avoiding Victimization...... 52 How Refugees Can Help Law Enforcement Protect Them ...... 53 Joining Groups: Becoming an Involved Community Member...... 54 Using Existing Systems To Educate Others...... 55 Successful Bridge-Crossing: A Summary of Actions Refugees Can Take...... 56 Resources...... 57

An Optimistic Word...... 61

Helpful Lists ...... 63

iv INTRODUCTION

In many U.S. communities, maintain social order, it is large and small, refugees who important for refugees to learn, have fled unsafe conditions in as quickly as possible, what their native countries and have these laws permit and prohibit in been granted asylum in the their adopted country. Laws not United States are experiencing only reflect a culture's social the often difficult process of structure and mores; their adapting to their new violation has direct punitive environment among people who consequences. The U.S. legal speak a different language and system can seem complicated live by a different set of cultural and overwhelming to a new standards. These refugees, who resident, who must try to come from Vietnam, the former understand specific laws as well Soviet Union, Laos, Cambodia, as the complexities of the culture Romania, Ethiopia, Cuba, Iran, that the laws serve. Haiti, Afghanistan, Poland, Albania, Iraq and other It is also important for countries, must face the daily newcomers to learn that the law challenges of adjusting to new enforcement process in the homes, preparing their children United States is not a national to enter new schools, entering a police force but a series of local, complex world of employment, regional, and state agencies that shopping for a wide range of take seriously their obligation to new products, and integrating " serve and protect" law-abiding The U.S. Legal system can into new social arenas. And the residents. Newcomers need to seem complicated and key to meeting these challenges know that police can teach them overwhelming to a new - two-way communication - can how to protect themselves and resident. be the most challenging task of their families from becoming them all. victims of crime. Many refugees come from situations in which Because the United States the criminal justice relies on a system of laws to

1 system operates with tyranny, of refugees admitted into the repression, and fear. U.S. each year is determined by the President in consultation Law enforcement officers with Congress. In fiscal year and other members of the 1992, about 132,000 refugees criminal justice system can help and people of AmericanAsian Many refugees came from ease this transition by working parentage (Amerasians) were situations in which the not only to communicate with admitted to the U.S. for resettle- criminal justice system new settlers but also to ment. Since 1975, more than operates with tyranny, understand them and the 1.6 million refugees have been repression, and fear. complexities of their native granted legal asylum in this cultures. The mere absence of country. According to the 1990 conflict in a neighborhood does census, America is home to not mean that residents of nearly 20 million foreign-born different cultures have found residents - both refugees and harmony and a cooperative immigrants - the highest number working relationship. True in this country's history. multi-cultural integration occurs when various cultures reach a Until recently, most refugees comfortable day-to-day have come from countries in interaction marked by respect, Southeast Asia. But with interest, and caring. political upheaval in the former Soviet Union and Eastern The U.S. Refugee Resettlement European countries, the number Program of refugees from that part of the world has rivaled those from The Refugee Act of 1980 Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. created the Refugee Resettlement Since 1975, more than 1.6 Program to help refugees When refugees arrive in the million refugees have been achieve economic self- U.S., they are aided by granted legal asylum in this sufficiency as quickly as voluntary assistance agencies country. possible after their entry into the (such as the Church World United States. The domestic Service, the International Rescue resettlement program is the Committee, the Episcopal responsibility of the Office of Migration Ministries, the Refugee Resettlement (ORR), an International Rescue Committee, office of the Administration for Inc., the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Children and Families in the Society, the U.S. Catholic U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The number

2 Conference, and other pri- Cross-cultural education ¾ vate and religious groups) in when two or more cultures gain obtaining housing, furnishings, understanding of each other's food, and clothing for a traditions, religious practices, minimum of 30 days. During social standards, family roles, this time, they learn how to ways of thinking, and behaviors access health care, employment ¾ is necessary to developing information, and English the kind of harmonious, language and vocational supportive community that training. everyone wants. But it is not sufficient. Such learning must Refugees must make an effort They may also be assisted in be followed by community to learn about American resettling by Mutual Assistance action. culture; the host community Associations (MAAs), refugee must welcome its new self-help groups who understand Community action can members the needs and interests of their encompass a wide range of refugee countrymen. MAAs specific programs, but its vary greatly from community to ultimate goals should be to community in their form and in formalize community policies the types of services they offer and to set standards for to newly settled refugees. The cooperation. Communities that nature of services often depends have undergone successful on the perceived needs of the change have taken actions that community and available include creating multi-cultural resources. MAAs can provide a coalitions, instituting school broad range of services from programs to educate young helping with English language people, establishing outreach classes to cultural orientation to and crime prevention programs, job development and placement. and encouraging refugees to work as employees or volunteers If refugee men, women, and with local law enforcement. children are to integrate Community successfully into American communities, two things must happen: The refugees must make an effort to learn about American culture, and, equally important, the host community must welcome its new members and become familiar with the traditions, values, and cultural heritage they bring. Diversity of cultures adds strength to a community only when the people involved understand, respect, and celebrate each other.

3 action should be tailored to the business, legal, and religious life specific needs of both of their adopted country. established residents and newcomers. Likewise, this book will help law enforcement personnel How This Book Can Help better serve and protect those in their community who are This book helps the refugee refugees. Members of the law and law enforcement enforcement community have communities work together in found that actively reaching out two ways. It encourages novice to refugees, through both community activists and law informal neighborhood contact enforcement personnel to work and special programs and ser- in partnership with . members of vices, substantially improves other cultures and describes the understanding. Such efforts benefits of doing so. And it have been successful in Boston; leads seasoned multi-cultural Lincoln, Nebraska; Seattle; activists, already familiar with Portland, Oregon; Westminster, the advantages of diversity, California; Elgin, Illinois; St. toward programs that will Paul, Minnesota; and many enhance action in their other cities. communities. Developing a solid two-way This book seeks to increase relationship between law This book encourages understanding and promote enforcement and the refugee partnership with members of cooperation between members community is more than a other cultures. of refugee communities and luxury. Failure to do so can those who operate the U.S. lead to a refugee's sense of fear, criminal justice system. It is not victimization, and social designed to "Americanize" other isolation. For some youthful cultures by asking them to refugees, it can lead to or substitute American traditions exacerbate gang involvement or for the rich history of their own other lawbreaking behavior. It countries. can frustrate law enforcement Rather, these chapters will officers and other criminal help refugees add new justice system personnel whose knowledge and understanding attempts to assist refugees are to their lives in the United States sometimes rejected or to help them integrate more misinterpreted. easily into the social, academic,

4 The phrase "building local neighborhood associations, bridges" is often used to victim service providers, It is certainly necessary to illustrate the process of bringing mediators, teachers of English as build bridges, but true culturally diverse groups a Second Language (ESL), civic cultural harmony occurs when together. It is certainly leaders, and school and these bridges are crossed from necessary to build bridges community-based organizations each side. between communities, but true will find this information useful. cultural harmony occurs when It will also be helpful to Mutual these bridges are crossed from Assistance Associations each side. This book focuses on (MAAs), voluntary agency staff, bridge-building and bridge- state refugee coordinators, and crossing. others working with refugee resettlement. Communities in which refugees and law enforcement The examples in this book have established close positive are offered by U.S. communities ties derive a wide array of that successfully host refugees benefits. Refugees gain greater from a wide variety of cultures. access to police and other In Seattle, Washington, the services, such as youth Khmer Community works with programs, victim assistance, the police department to present parenting classes, medical workshops for businesses and assistance programs, business residents on crime prevention. networking, and neighborhood In Abbeville, Louisiana, the groups. Crime decreases in Migration and Refugee Services communities where law organization educates enforcement officers help Vietnamese refugees about refugees learn to protect reporting crimes. At St. Rita's themselves more effectively Asian Center in the Bronx, New against crime. Law enforcement York, Cambodian and Viet- officers can more easily assist namese staff members provide refugees who are victims of crisis intervention and victim crime. assistance information. The U.S. communities successfully Inter-cultural Mutual Assistance host refugees from a wide This book can help those Association of Rochester, variety of cultures. who work in the criminal justice Minnesota, has four full-time system develop more interpreters on staff - Lao, constructive relations with the H'mong, Cambodian, and refugee community. Vietnamese - to offer education, Community service officers, counsel- crime prevention organizations,

5 ing, recreation, mediation, and presented by cultural employment services. differences can be addressed constructively. Although many of the examples are specific to · Chapter Ill. A Chapter for partnerships between law Refugee Organizations enforcement and Asian (Laotian, reviews the principles and Cambodian, Vietnamese, basic procedures of the U.S. H'mong) refugee communities, criminal justice system and the principles of bridge-building explains how law between cultures apply to all enforcement can help communities and cultures. It is refugees adapt to life in the important to determine the United States. specific needs of individual communities and cultures, but · An Optimistic Word the bridge foundations are provides a glimpse into the universal. future of communities with multi-cultural populations; This book is organized into and three chapters and closes with 'An Optimistic Word" about the · Helpful Lists includes sites possibilities of the future and with active refugee-law lists of additional resources. enforcement programs and State Refugee Coordinators, · Chapter 1. A Chapter for complementing the resources Everyone explains how listed with each chapter. cultural differences can be a challenge and a benefit and Once community activists guides culturally diverse and law enforcement personnel community members gain an understanding of through the bridge-building refugee resettlement, law and bridge-crossing process. enforcement and community accommodation, the appropriate · Chapter 11. A Chapter action is up to them. This book for Law Enforcement provides resources rich in illustrates a refugee's experience ¾ people and orga- experience in a new country, nizations who act as guides to offers methods for solutions for problems many establishing trusting relations communi- with refugee communities, and explains how challenges

6 ties have today. These experts criminal justice community can welcome inquiries and stand also benefit from it: non-sworn ready to share their stories. law enforcement staff; community relations officers; crime A Note About Terms prevention officers; police detectives and criminal Although specific terms will investigators; prosecutors district be explained throughout the attorneys, and other legal staff; book, we have already used judges and other court three terms that need some personnel; corrections, parole, clarification: refugee, law and probation officers. enforcement, and program. The programs illustrated in A refugee under U.S. law this book are not meant to be This document looks must meet explicit criteria. finite, with defined beginnings specifically at refugees, but it According to the law, a refugee and endings. They should can also help law enforcement is someone who leaves or become standard operating and immigrants develop a escapes from his or her own procedure, the way of doing positive relationship. country because of a well- business, for both the refugee founded fear of persecution due community and law enforce- to race, religion, nationality, ment. The daily needs of membership in a particular social refugees in the community group, or political opinion. should fall within the parameters Refugees admitted to the United of routine police services as do States may have close ties to the the elderly, at-risk teens, and U.S. through prior employment people with other special needs. or education or through relatives Likewise, refugees must who have already settled here. consider their new roles in their Refugees differ from immi- new neighborhoods as on- grants, who might have chosen going, lifetime commitments to to leave their native country to community involvement. seek better economic or other opportunities but did not leave This document looks out of significant fear of specifically at refugees, but persecution on the grounds much of what it describes can noted above. also help law enforcement and immigrants develop a positive, In this book, law enforce- mutually supportive ment includes sworn officers, of relationship. course. But others in the

7 General Resources technical assistance, reports on Office of Refugee Resettlement programs, and a variety of other Administration for Children and forms of help to law enforcement Families agencies and others working to U.S. Department of Health and make communities safer. For Human Services specific information and materials, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, 6th call the BJA Clearinghouse. Floor Washington DC 20447 National Crime Prevention Council 202-401-9246 1700 K Street, NW, Second Floor Washington, DC 20006-3817 The primary federal agency 202-466-6272 responsible for refugee assistance in the U.S., ORR provides funds A private, non-profit organization to states for a limited period of time whose principal mission is to for refugee medical assistance enable people to prevent crime and grants, social services, economic build safer, more caring assistance, and the development of communities. NCPC publishes basic skills and knowledge books, brochures, program kits, necessary to provide for the and other reproducible materials; economic security of the individual operates demonstration programs; or family. ORR also provides provides training on a wide range funds for community meetings that of topics; and offers technical bring together police and refugee assistance and referral services. leaders to address local issues of crime. Community Relations Service U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance 5550 Friendship Boulevard Office of Justice Programs Suite 330 U.S. Department of Justice Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815 633 Indiana Avenue, NW 301-492-5929 Washington, DC 20531 BJA Clearinghouse: 800-688-4252 A division of the U.S. Justice Department that provides dispute BJA oversees and administers a mediation to communities variety of grants programs and experiencing racial or cultural other ongoing initiatives to strife. strengthen criminal justice at the state and local levels. It provides

8 CHAPTER I A CHAPTER FOR EVERYONE

This chapter contains their children to be productive information intended to help adults, the freedom to express both groups refugees and law their values and religious beliefs, enforcement - understand the and the opportunity to meet value of establishing a their families' financial needs. partnership. It also highlights some of the challenges that have The United States has long been encountered by communi- been a haven for people from ties with refugee populations other cultures who feel they can and suggests ways to overcome no longer live safely in their them. own homelands. In addition, the U.S. has a proud history of Addressing ¾ andCelebrating cultural diversity, a rich mixture ¾ Differences of backgrounds that has brought strength to this country. In "Variety is the spice of life" many U.S. cities, anyone is a phrase familiar to most observing a public gathering English speakers. Natives of sees a variegated patchwork of other cultures may know similar skin colors, facial features, phrases in their language, such clothing, and hair styles as the French "Vive le differ- representative of cultures around ence! ", that celebrate the fact the planet. that our lives aren't all the same. The daily experiences of With approximately 20 members of the H'mong million foreign-born residents community, Soviet Jews, recorded in the 1990 U.S. Afghans, and Ethiopians, for census, people across the The need to integrate many example, are vastly different country are revising the ways cultures is becoming a critical from those of most residents of they think about community issue as we approach the the United States. But there are life, political influence, social twenty-first century. many similarities. Members of association, and economic all cultures seek security, safety equality. The need to integrate from harm, the ability to raise

9 many cultures is becoming a established residents. critical issue as we approach the Language binds and twenty-first century. separates. Patterns of language usage often Communication The First express power relations. Barrier But they also reveal individual and collective Despite the cultural variety perceptions of the already prevalent in many human experience. American cities, it is often Language serves difficult for a person raised throughout diverse outside the U.S. to settle into a communities as a source new community. When a of inter-group conflict, Vietnamese refugee family tension, and distance. settles in Houston, Texas, for Creating institutional example, they bring with them a settings for language lifestyle based on accepted ways acquisition provides a of doing things in Vietnam that source of shared are dramatically different from interests, an opportunity those practiced by their for interaction and a American neighbors. It purpose behind probably takes a considerable cooperation. amount of time and effort for this Vietnamese family to feel Other cultural differences comfortable in the grocery store, present daunting challenges. at school, in the workplace, or as Members of this Vietnamese members of community family will not easily understand organizations. Initially, the most routine traffic laws, daunting barrier to "fitting in" is neighborhood safety tips, the often the inability to speak or need for a license to catch fish, understand the English lan- car registration procedures, or guage. basic legal rights, even if local Language is much more than officials reach out to talk with a technical skill; it is a key to According to a 1993 Ford them. The immediate problem? economic well-being. Foundation study, The police and other civic ... it should come as no officials can't speak Vietnamese. surprise that communication ¾ Language is much more language ¾ stands out than a technical skill; it is a key as the most important to economic well-being. feature of interactions Refugees who have among newcomers and

10 difficulty learning English also older or in authority. In have more difficulty finding a America, this failure to look job or, if they are able to secure someone in the eye may be employment, functioning in the perceived as a sign of guilt or workplace. To continue with deception. In some cultures, the example of the Vietnamese gesturing with the left hand is family in Houston, the language considered an insult. Even barrier could pose serious within regions, there are impor- challenges when a helping tant variations. When a agency tries to assess skills and Vietnamese adult touches the past work experience, when a head of a child, it is a sign of personnel manager needs to affection. This gesture is taboo explain insurance forms and in some other Asian cultures benefits, or when the first pay- where the head is considered check shows that money has sacred. been withheld for something Communication problems called FICA. In America, the regional between cultures are not variations in speech, slang, and insurmountable. Success in the workplace accent can be confusing to a often requires employees to newcomer trying to learn understand explicit instructions English. In Louisiana, for as well as to communicate example, its long-standing effectively with their colleagues. French heritage has contributed For example, if the Vietnamese to a colorful variation of English employee encounters a work- called Cajun, sometimes related safety problem, he or she incomprehensible to visitors. needs to be able to tell someone Long-time residents of Maine accurately and immediately in also speak in a way that may order to get help. cause first-time listeners to scratch their heads in wonder. There are nonverbal com- Communication problems munication barriers between between cultures are not cultures as well. Efforts to insurmountable. They can be communicate are further resolved with energy and time, hampered by differing styles, through special language classes. gestures, word connotations, Meanwhile, progress in and nonverbal expressions. For understanding can be built example, in some cultures a through the use of interpreters polite person does not make and translators. direct eye contact with someone

11 Many refugees have the preter has presented a lin- opportunity to take ESL classes, guistically biased version of the either through their local facts to the jury, one that can resettlement agency or through dramatically affect the outcome an adult education program. A of the proceedings. number of communities offer such programs free. Some ESL According to Ruth Ham- programs use law enforcement mond, an expert who has materials on personal and home studied the problem of safety as tools for learning interpreters in the court system, English. Law enforcement courtrooms hire untrained personnel can quickly learn key "bilingual cooks, secretaries, phrases of the refugee's language college students, social workers, by working with bilingual rep- and insurance agents" to resentatives of the refugee interpret for witnesses and community, who also serve as defendants who have no real interpreters and translators. assurance that the words heard Translators may also be by the jury will be the "legal available from local university equivalent" of what they have graduate schools offering lan- stated in their own language.3 guage programs. The Federal Court Interpreters Act of 1978 established the right Language translation and of non-English-speakers in interpretation may seem to be a federal courts to have certified solution to communication interpreters. However, many barriers, but they pose serious interpreters who fail tests for problems within the context of certification are still found in the criminal justice system. In courtrooms across the country. studies of the experiences of The system in state courts is Asian- and other foreign-born worse. A New Jersey Supreme residents appearing in U.S. Court task force study found courts, experts have found that that more than two-thirds of Many interpreters who fail court interpreters have "the interpreters frequently used in tests for certification are still powerful capability of changing state courts had no training in found in courtrooms around the intent" of the testimony of law and legal terminology, and the country. non-English speaking wit- nearly nine in ten had no nesses.2 By substituting key interpreting training at all. words in a refugee's testimony Though the consequences of ¾ for example, "had sex" for these inadequacies are some- "sexually assaulted" ¾ the inter-

12 times tragic, they have their shouting never helps lighter moments. One Spanish someone understand better. interpreter rendered the Be careful with your choice statement "I now pronounce you of words, selecting those that man and wife" as "Now you are are clear, straightforward, hunted.”4 and simple to understand. Avoid colloquialisms and The role of the courtroom slang at all costs. interpreter is to present neutral verbatim testimony. Likewise, · Allow extra time for interpreters working with police investigating situations when officers or other members of the the people involved have criminal justice system must not mastered English. provide true, accurate, and complete interpretation of the · Be sure that someone exact statements used by non- serving as an interpreter or English-speaking victims, translator is fully qualified witnesses, or suspects. A few and has had experience. states are starting to introduce Interpreting under pressure is high-standard testing for court a difficult task; lack of interpreters, but most states training can lead to mistakes, currently conduct little or no misunderstanding, and interpreter screening. inaccurate information. A few states are starting to introduce high-standard If language is a serious · Be candid about your ability testing for court interpreters. barrier between cultures in your to speak or understand a lan- community, here are some key guage. Trying to "fake it" pointers for communicating just leads to confusion, more effectively: misunderstanding, and misspent time. · Be patient when speaking with someone who does not · Never assume that someone clearly understand your is less intelligent just because language. Speak slowly and he or she doesn't speak Eng- distinctly. Be willing to lish well. repeat words or phrases if there appears to be confusion. Remember that

13 Forging Mutual Trust refugees, learning about each other begins with everyday Although the language encounters. barrier is serious and immediate, it can be overcome with Women are often at the training, motivation, and time. forefront of the barrier breaking Overcoming lack of trust and process. The recent Ford understanding may not be as Foundation study on straightforward. immigration documents that women are generally more Building trust between active in the community, serving cultures takes two strategies: as the connection between Building trust between two learning and doing. This is not newcomers and established cultures takes two strategies: to imply that lack of trust can residents. They are usually Learning and doing. always be easily remedied. But more involved in educational many communities have found and civic activities, often effective ways to develop and organizing responses to local strengthen trust between refugee conditions. If there are concerns communities and law enforce- in the neighborhood, it is more ment through programs that often the women who get educate both groups and then together to identify the problem, encourage community action consider options for solutions, that brings them together. and contact appropriate authorities for assistance. Experts who have studied the integration of foreign-born The accumulated result of residents into American these day-to-day interactions is communities have found that mutual trust. success results from a bottom- up, not a top-down process. 5 · In Long Beach, California, People don't begin to work, the Cambodian Association plan, socialize, and cooperate of America learns about law with each other because there are enforcement and personal institutional policies directing safety through community them to do so. Rather, the Women are often at the front education workshops. relationships are developed at of the barrier-breaking the individual level, face-to-face process. · In Elgin, Illinois, theYWCA - in the neighborhood, at the Refugee Crime Prevention grocery store, at school, at the Project is playground, at the workplace. For established residents and

14 successfully providing cross- community ¾ they develop cultural awareness to a large strong ties. The Ford Laotian community. The Foundation reports on the Project funds a bilingual Lao accommodation between community outreach worker newcomers and established Experience shows that when at the police department who residents in the U.S.: groups come together in a offers victim/witness shared task, they develop assistance, translation, and [These] groups are not strong ties. direct police liaison with the searching consciously for Southeast Asian community. cross-cultural means to This project has strength- improve an abstract sense of ened mutual trust between "quality of life." Rather, in refugees who have been these situations, they are victims of crime and law struggling together over a enforcement. loss of control in the face of dramatic changes in their · In Jersey City, New Jersey, standard of living. Shared trust is growing between activities reduce tension and established residents and competition and build bonds newcomers from Vietnam of trust among groups Other and the former Soviet activities, like sports and Union. The International recreational clubs, also Institute of New Jersey is provide opportunity for planning to hire a bilingual positive interaction among coordinator and establish a groups. When given the crime watch group. The opportunity, occasion, and group also will install a shared project, newcomers telephone line providing and established residents information in English, show a willingness to work Vietnamese, and Russian together.6 about crime reporting procedures. When law enforcement and other services providers work Experience shows that when with refugee families in ways groups come together in a that meet their needs as well as shared task ¾ usually to respect their improve conditions in a

15 culture, refugees become more Stereotypes can be modified trusting. As refugees learn to or erased through personal trust law enforcement, police contact and education, but it is a personnel find that their ability process that takes time and a to work closely and construc- determined effort. Sometimes a tively with members of refugee person may find it easy - a communities increases. The cultural shortcut, of sorts - to benefits to each community are rely on stereotypical thinking substantial. about someone who has grown up in a different culture. That Discard Those Useless person may accept certain Stereotypes! generalizations about other ethnic groups without taking the A third barrier to harmo- time to learn the facts about nious relations among many individuals who have resettled cultures deserves serious in his or her community. When attention because it can hamper the tables are turned and the understanding. What's wrong same people become the focus with these statements? of stereotypical thinking, they usually object strongly, but they All Russians wear thick fur are often unaware that they hats. commit this mistake themselves. It takes a conscious effort to All Asian kids join gangs. discard the tendency to stereotype, which stands as a All Americans have jobs and barrier to accurately see, hear, are rich. and understand a person from another culture. The only thing police officers do is chase If the Goal Is Cultural Bridge- criminals. Building, Who Should Lay the First Plank? Stereotypes can be modified or These statements spring erased through personal from stereotypes ¾ statements Popular etiquette guides contact and education. that assign a certain characteristic would probably decree that the to all people who are members host community is responsible of a certain group. None of for making new residents feel them is true, and they are wel- damaging to the process of building bridges between cultures.

16 come. That is what actually refugees has been established to happens. When a refugee let newcomers know what law family settles in America, the enforcement does and how it Office of Refugee Resettlement works, but the refugees need to Local organizations assist makes sure that their immediate take advantage of the opportu- refugees to make (them) feel needs are provided for several nity to learn. part of a new community. months. In Boston, Massachusetts, Local organizations also many of the street signs in reach out as sponsors and assist certain areas of the city are now refugees with day-to-day as well posted in two languages. The as long-term services. These ser- municipal transportation vices help to make a family feel department made the effort to part of a new community, but accommodate people who do other groups and governmental not speak English; the refugees institutions - such as schools, worked with the transportation religious groups, neighborhood department and the police to organizations, youth groups, make a change that is helpful to and law enforcement - also can resettled ethnic groups in the take important steps to make city. refugee families feel welcome. Similarly, refugee families must Bridges Can't Be Built in a resist the inclination to associate Day only with members of their own culture. By reaching out, For an entire lifetime, people meeting local neighbors and learn about and adjust to the shop owners, inviting new standards and habits of their friends to traditional holiday own culture. Success in adapt- celebrations and encouraging ing to a new culture does not children to participate in sports happen overnight, or in a week, or youth activities, refugees will or in a month. Success in adapting to a new increasingly feel comfortable culture does not happen with the daily routines and If a Cambodian refugee overnight or in a week or a cultural standards of their settling in the Bronx finds that month. American neighbors. American neighbors are slow to accept dress customs, types of Reaching out must come food eaten, or family traditions, from both directions. In the community can be educated Lincoln, Nebraska, a free eight- by sharing her- week Citizens' Academy for

17 itage in a presentation to school and punctuality as more children, through a cultural important than do a number of festival, or at a neighborhood other cultures. The Asian con- social gathering. It may take cept of authority is strongly time for your neighbors to rooted in the power of the understand your culture, but it family, headed by a dominant will happen. male. Some ethnic groups view problems or conflicts as private, If a community service personal matters, not to be Acceptances of some officer in the police department shared with law enforcement or differences, such as dress or finds that few Cambodian others. cooking, may come quickly. women are taking part in an Others may take longer and ESL class at the high school, Each of these conceptual be more difficult. suggest that the class move to a differences is deep-rooted and neighborhood meeting hall or not easily - or quickly - changed some other place where the to conform with the cultural women might feel more traditions of a new country. But comfortable. Day care for very they can be explained, demon- young children may be the strated, and accommodated issue. Ask leaders in the within a framework of community if there are meeting cooperation and earnest effort to places that provide safe areas for learn and share among ethnic children and inquire about groups. One place to start is in a temporary baby sitting or multi-cultural group, focused on supervising services. Some solving local problems. refugees may resist joining a community program immedi- Creating a Multi-Cultural ately but may warm up to the Coalition and Setting idea later if the program is Priorities presented through a workplace or at a religious institution. It is critical to begin a To begin bridge-building, bridge-building and crossing determine the needs of your Acceptance of some dif- partnership by determining the specific community and of the ferences, such as dress or needs of your specific refugee group or groups. cooking, may come quickly. community and of the refugee Others - those based on less group or groups. If most of the visible cultural concepts - may refugees in your community take longer and be more diffi- arrived in the United States with cult. For example, Americans a functional tend to view the concept of time

18 command of English, then your Policing Assistant Doan efforts should be directed toward Thaooanh of the Portland Police meeting other needs, such as set- Bureau, members of the Bureau ting up a job fair, helping first met informally with establish a Business Watch community leaders, then program, or arranging organized expanded the group to include activities for young people. representatives of other ethnic Community priorities must be groups. They set up a Task established, preferably through a Force and developed a mission coalition of all members of the statement, directing the The Police Bureau and community. This group's task is participants to facilitate refugee leaders signed a letter to accurately assess needs, communication, cooperation, of agreement in support of a design appropriate programs, and assistance between the law comprehensive partnership. and find funding and other enforcement and Asian resources, if needed. communities.

In Portland, Oregon, the The Task Force sponsored a Police Bureau and H'mong workshop for Asian leaders American Unity of Oregon, Inc., focusing on why and how the an organization of H'mong police do their job. The partici- refugee leaders, signed a Letter pants then returned to their of Agreement in support of a communities and taught others comprehensive partnership to what they had learned. In educate H'mong families on return, Asian community mem- Oregon law and educate bers teach law enforcement specially designated police about their culture and officers in ethno-cultural traditions. The Task Force also expectations of the H'mong- addresses conflict resolution American community. The between ethnic groups and refugees promised to assist the multi-cultural education in Police Bureau by reporting schools. It has the support of crime, testifying in court, and the mayor, the chief of police, helping to locate suspects. The the district attorney's office, and Police Bureau promised to train the city council. According to officers to work closely with the Sgt. Ratcliff, this political sup- H'mong community to ensure port has helped the City of greater safety in their Portland work toward the goal neighborhoods. outlined in the Letter of Agreement that was signed by According to Sgt. Larry the president of the Hmong Ratcliff and Community American

19 Unity of Oregon, Inc. and the The Task Force also Portland chief of police: involves young people in the community by meeting with WHEREAS the City of them at pizza restaurants to hear Portland has made it a their concerns. The youth go on concern of priority to summer field trips where empower the citizenry of the counselors talk with them about City to direct the Bureau of drug use, violence, and gang Public Safety to work col- activity. The Task Force's future laboratively with the various goals for youth include helping and diverse communities them with their homework, constituting the City of encouraging them to stay in As a result ... Asian residents Portland in establishing school, and securing are more willing to report community based systems of scholarships for college. crimes, community members support and enforcement for feel safer, fear has been the ordinances of the City of Portland reports that, as a reduced ... and trust has Portland, and the State of result of the Task Force and the increased. Oregon, i.e. "Community Letter of Agreement, Asian Policing" residents are more willing to WE ... pledge the honor of report crimes, community mem- our respective offices, and bers feel safer, fear has been the resources of our reduced in the community, and respective organizations, trust has increased between the toward the execution of a Asian population and law comprehensive partnership enforcement. agreement of mutual policies and practices conforming to When organizing a multi- the aspirations of the Oregon cultural task force, this checklist Constitution, the expecta- offers a good framework: tions of Federal, State and local law, in deepest respect · Getting started. Will all toward the ethno-cultural cultures in the community norms of the H'mong be fairly represented? Is customary law (where such power evenly distributed? law is not inconsistent with Can the coalition make the letter and interests of changes in the com- Oregon law)7

20 munity that will meet the sensitive? Are they able to needs of the participants? Is discourage stereotyping and funding available? relieve inter-group tensions? Task Force members might · Working out logistics: Is consider using facilitators to there a meeting time that is help develop effective agreeable to all Task Force leaders. members? Is the meeting place readily accessible to · Evaluation: When a program everyone? It might be or activity is implemented, is necessary to schedule two there a system for measuring meetings to enable the success and recognizing the greatest number of efforts of those involved? community residents to Any system used to measure attend. success should reflect the group's goals. If possible, · Designing goals and group members should agree strategies: Are there at the outset on how they sufficient data to determine will measure progress. the real needs of the refugee and host communities? Will · Sensitivity: Because the task the strategies result in long- force consists of members of term changes? Are they diverse cultures, it is focused on the real important to be sensitive to problems? Are the goals the needs of different reli- reasonable and reachable? gious groups when Are the strategies agreeable establishing meeting times. When structuring a task force to all coalition members? Create a multicultural or coalition, reach out to a calendar that notes all wide variety of groups. · Leadership: Can the leaders groups' important obser- work harmoniously together vances, and use it. to advance task force goals? Have they developed a When structuring a task system for arriving at force or coalition, reach out to a consensus within the wide variety of groups, such as membership? Are the leaders neighborhood associations, civic trained and culturally groups, parent-teacher

21 organizations, business leaders, often eager to get involved with and social service providers. community programs. Just ask.

A Note About Funding Managing Conflicts

Help can also come in the If the task force or coalition When culturally diverse form of volunteerism, talent, has chosen projects that require groups work together, it is and donations of supplies or money, it will need to look for inevitable that conflicts will refreshments. funding sources ¾ cash or in- emerge. Conflicts are natural kind donations. Foundations and normal. They can range and corporations frequently from seemingly minor have special funds for local differences arising from social groups. Local community custom, such as gestures or foundations are an excellent facial expressions, to major dif- resource. The group may apply ferences of opinion, such as the for funds from local, state, or roles of family members. They federal government agencies, can include matters of personal through departments of taste as well as matters of ethnic community action, drug identity. The following tips for prevention, public safety, public managing conflicts between housing, neighborhood cultures are adapted from revitalization, or economic suggestions by conflict development. Local libraries resolution experts.8 often have listings on funding resources in the community. · Don't try to minimize The Chamber of Commerce and differences; they are real. the local economic development Ignoring cultural differences office may have excellent may be as harmful as Conflicts are natural and suggestions. exaggerating them. normal. They can include matters or personal taste as Help also can come in the · Let the disputants use well as matters of ethnic form of volunteerism, talent, and language, symbols, and identity. donations of supplies or communication styles refreshments. Don't overlook necessary for expressing the assistance of neighborhood themselves. Ask someone residents, students, business who is cross-culturally owners, and other organizations. trained to facilitate ¾ and Churches and civic clubs are interpret ¾ the discussion.

22 · Don't assume anything game cannot be taken for about the disputants. Accrue granted. and evaluate the facts as they are presented. Nonverbal behavior - “Being reasonable” can vary gestures, eye contact, silences, from culture to culture. · In inter-cultural encounters, seating arrangements, what was perceived to have appearance, and concepts of happened is more important time - have different levels of in resolving conflict than importance and even different what really happened. meanings in different cultures. Many cultures emphasize · Never put anyone down for nonverbal over verbal beliefs or standards. communication, resulting in serious misunderstandings · Listen carefully and validate during conflict management. the concerns of each party. Inviting a cross-culturally trained individual to be a part of · Be patient and willing to the process is critical. learn. Many Americans want quick results. People Even reaching agreement from some other cultures can be confusing. "Being work on different timetables. reasonable" can vary from culture to culture, making some · Use win-win negotiating disputants seem rigid or principles. Try to come up illogical. with acceptable solutions - or compromises - for both Working With the Media sides, perhaps using multiple options. Avoid using power The media in the community The media can have both plays. - newspapers, local radio, and positive and negative effects. television stations - can have · Reach solutions creatively. both positive and negative In managing a conflict, there effects on multi-cultural bridge- are man perfectly acceptable building. On one hand, the avenues from Point A to media can help by publicizing Point B. special events, festivals, social or sports activities, or safety · Expect different expec- programs that bring together tations. The rules of the neighbors from

23 different backgrounds and other languages, perhaps as part traditions. On the other hand, of an ESL class. the media sometimes perpetuate stereotypes by running stories Working With Schools that characterize all members of a community by the activities of · In Lowell, Massachusetts, a few. For example, if there are the Cambodian community gang problems in a certain outreach specialist working neighborhood, the report on the with the police department local news may tend to takes his culture to the incriminate all the young people classroom, sharing in that neighborhood rather than information about his native the few who are actually land and traditions with involved. That same school children. neighborhood may also be the home of young people who · In Willows, California, a have excelled in school, in family from Laos has taken playing the piano, or in the lead in battling the volunteer work with the elderly. language barrier. Both Often these kinds of youth are husband and wife are The school system is a natural overlooked in the rush to report working with the school avenue for reaching children more sensational news. system to teach ESL classes ¾ both refugee and non- for Laotian refugees. refugee. An excellent way to encourage the media to spread · In Rochester, Minnesota, positive information in the the Inter-cultural Mutual community is to invite them to Assistance Association attend your bridge-building places counselors in public activities. Supply community schools to provide events reporters with intervention and mediation background information, people services. to contact for further details, and a list of events planned for the · The Vietnamese Parent future. Ask someone to write a Association of Oregon feature story on a refugee family annually presents the that has adjusted successfully to Vietnamese Senior Excellent their new life. Submit details of Student Award, which is a a program that translates important safety materials into

24 tradition in Vietnam. The Association raises funds from the Vietnamese business General Resources establishment, local financial National Coalition Building Institute institutions, and other 1835 K Street, NW, Suite 715 organizations to provide the Washington, DC 20006 awards. 202-785-9400

The school system is a natural A national organization committed avenue for reaching children ¾ to building coalitions and reducing both refugee and non-refugee. prejudice in business, schools, Social contact between cultures universities, and other groups. NCBI sponsors three institutes a occurs frequently in the year to educate the public about classroom, on the playground, and conflict mediation and prejudice during after-school events; social resolution. contact and interaction form the basis of cultural acceptance. Community Relations Service Teachers and other adults can U.S. Department of Justice present age-appropriate informa- 5550 Friendship Boulevard, tion to young people during Suite 330 assemblies; in conjunction with Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815 curriculum units on geography, 301-492-5929 government, religion, or social A division of the Justice science; or as part of special Department that assists events, such as cultural heritage communities experiencing racial or festivals. ethnic strife, by mediating disputes.

Check with members of the National Multi-Cultural Institute local school board or the school 3000 Connecticut Avenue, NW principal to develop a program Suite 438 that will introduce positive images Washington, DC 20008-2556 202-483-0700 of different ethnic cultures to young people in the community. The Institute is a national training Educating young people often and development organization that serves as sufficient momentum to provides a forum for discussion of make changes throughout the critical issues of multi-culturalism. community. It organizes three conferences a year, offers diversity training and consulting, develops educational materials, and maintains a multilingual mental health counseling and referral service.

25 The National Conference (formerly the Notes National Conference of Christians 1 The Ford Foundation, Changing and Jews) Relations, Newcomers and 71 Fifth Avenue Established Residents in U.S. Suite 1100 Communities, New York: 1993, p. New York, New York 10003 20. 212-206-0006 2 Susan Berk-Seligson, "The A human relations organization Bilingual Courtroom," 1990; cited dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry, in Ruth Hammond, 'Lost in and racism. The National Translation," The Washington Conference promotes Post, October 24, 1993, p. C-3.. understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures 3 Ruth Hammond, 'Lost in through education, advocacy, and Translation," The Washington conflict resolution. Post, October 24, 1993, p. C-3.

World of Difference 4 Hammond, "Lost in Anti-Defamation League of B'Nai Translation." B'rith 823 United Nations Plaza 5 The Ford Foundation, pp. 50-59. New York, New York 10017 212-490-2525 6 The Ford Foundation, p. 6.

National, multiracial, nonprofit 7 Revision Three signed April 28, organization that seeks to build 1993 by Chief Tom Potter and public opposition to hate group President Paul Pia Cha. activity and bigoted violence and to assist victims of such violence. 8 Inter-cultural Resource Center, Conducts educational programs, Roslindale, CA; Susan B. Gold- research, victim assistance, stein of the Neighborhood Justice community organization, Center Data Project (Program on leadership training, and public Conflict Resolution, University of policy advocacy. Hawaii, "Cultural Issues in Community Mediation"; and Jan Jung-Min Sunoo, Commissioner of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Glendale, CA.

26 CHAPTER II AN INTRODUCTION TO REFUGEES FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY

This chapter will help members refugees through the difficult of the criminal justice process of settling in a new community develop methods for community. serving refugee communities more effectively. It offers Differences between suggestions for getting to know cultures affect basic standards of newly resettled refugees and behavior, religious or holiday helping them learn how to live traditions, verbal and non-verbal safely. It also discusses the communication patterns, styles problems of youth gangs and of dressing, social attitudes, bias-motivated crimes. Finally, it work ethics, and family describes successful cross- relations. But "different" doesn't cultural law enforcement mean "wrong." programs and the challenges they encountered - in commu- Different cultures can exist nities around the country. even within a region. The statement that a community of Though many Americans Southeast Asian refugees has have lived and worked beside settled in a city or town is not people who grew up in a very specific. Similar to the different culture, a large number regional differences found Cultural insensitivity may not have not. For those who have between residents of New be intentional, but it becomes never shared experiences with Orleans, Louisiana, and Bronx, a serious barrier to helping people from other cultures, the New York, substantial refugees. "American way of doing things" differences exist between might seem to be the "right" refugees from Cambodia, way, or the "only" way. They Vietnam, and Laos. "Southeast are not sensitive to the fact that Asian" is a term covering a there are other valid cultural broad expanse of cultures, all of values around the world. This them in the same section of the cultural insensitivity may not be world but all having intentional, but it becomes a serious barrier to helping

27 distinctive histories, religions, serious difficulty adjusting to the and social heritages. U.S.

Regional differences occur Polish refugees, many of between natives of different whom were highly educated, Languages may sound similar towns in those Southeast Asian were able to find employment but have substantive countries. The languages, more easily than some other differences in connotation and which may sound similar, have refugee groups, the same study phrasing. substantive differences in con- showed. Romanians were notation and phrasing. A generally well-educated, highly comparable example from the motivated to find jobs, and English language is the British hard-working. However, as a use of "bonnet" for the hood of group they did not socialize a car or "lift" for an elevator. with existing residents; their churches were their main focus Other refugees also come to of community interaction. the U.S. with adjustment problems - some similar and Why Learn About the some quite dissimilar to those Cambodians, the Romanians, faced by Southeast Asians and the Haitians, or the Laotians? with a variety of background experiences. One early study The answer is simple. They (1986) of Afghan refugees are members of the community found that many of them viewed that law enforcement protects their stay as temporary and did and serves. Certainly, members not put much effort into of the community share the assimilating into their new responsibility for keeping Refugees need to understand community. themselves safe, but they can do the police and the police need so only if they understand how, to understand them. According to the same 1986 when, and why. That is why study, Ethiopians who resettled they need to understand the into the U.S. had high education police, and the police need to levels ¾ in fact, many of them understand them. had been college students - but their work experience was Minority ethnic residents relatively limited. Knowledge of may currently represent only a English varied greatly. The small portion of a jurisdiction's study found that Ethiopians had total population, but consider some

28 projections for the future. A attends a workshop or happens study published in 1992 to be a member of a minority estimates a remarkable shift in group. It is a process born of American cultural diversity over commitment to provide quality the next 50 years.2 By the year services to all. "3 Becoming 2040, it is projected that the culturally competent requires nation's population will grow to understanding how values, 355.5 million and experience a beliefs, attitudes, and traditions profound change in its racial and influence behavior. ethnic makeup. That total is expected to include: Coming to America: A Refugee's Experience in a New · 210.5 million (non-His- Land panic) European Americans, an increase of less than 13%; The formal process of refugee resettlement begins with Becoming culturally · 44.1 million African an official approval from the competent requires Americans, an increase of U.S. Department of State for the almost 50%; refugee, and possibly his or her understanding how values, family, to come to the United beliefs, attitudes, and · 34.5 million Asian and States. After arriving in a U.S. traditions influence behavior. Pacific Islander Americans, refugee camp, the refugee is an increase of nearly 400%; processed through a Volunteer and Assistance Agency (VOLAG) that contracts with the State · 64.2 million Hispanics, an Department to attend to the increase of nearly 200%. refugee's immediate needs for language training, medical If refugees (or other cultural credentials, job development minorities) live in a community, and training, living arrange- its law enforcement personnel ments, and skills leading to self- need to be culturally competent sufficiency. The refugee may to be able to do their job well. meet with a representative from The Community Relations the state Office of Refugee Service of the U.S. Department Resettlement, a sponsor, or a of Justice says that 'becoming member of a Mutual Assistance culturally competent is a Association, who may help him developmental process for the or her individual and for the system. It is not something that happens because one reads a book or

29 with cultural adjustment. This referred to the Women's process ¾ and the assistance Strength Program of the provided - is highly variable, Portland Police Bureau that and in some cases, the resettled teaches women self-defense tac- refugee may have received little tics. Unfortunately, she could practical assistance before not attend the program because reaching a community. she spoke so little English. However, Portland reports that Try to imagine being sud- the program is currently denly removed from familiar developing a course for non- surroundings in Houston, English-speaking newcomers. Topeka, Jersey City, or Jacksonville. Imagine being In Lincoln, Nebraska, a suddenly transported with Vietnamese family was limited possessions to a threatened in their home by a community in Poland or Russia young male who set fire to their where few people speak trash can after midnight. The English. There is some suspect then knocked on the assistance from a local group door and demanded a hundred with housing and immediate dollars to extinguish the fire. Try to imagine being suddenly needs, but that is all. Imagine The family called the police but removed from your familiar being responsible for were unable to explain in surroundings, transported assimilating yourself and your English what had happened. with limited possessions to a family into a new community. The next day, the family went to community overseas where the Lincoln Police Department few people speak English. Imagine being in this young and, with the help of a Vietnamese woman's shoes: Six community service liaison as months after she arrived in the interpreter, reported the details. Portland area, she became a The police officer and the victim of sexual assault. She interpreter suggested that the spoke very little English, felt family have a home security sur- overwhelmed by the strange vey and join Operation I.D. surroundings, and was terrified With the family's consent, the after the incident. Even though community service liaison women in her culture accompanied the home security traditionally don't speak of such officer as he conducted the personal things, she was survey. encouraged to talk to the police about her assault and was In New Jersey, a Vietnamese assisted with the reporting woman was procedure. She was also

30 injured and robbed by a group procedures, congested traffic, of teenagers. She was scared and the many differences in day- and didn't report the crime to to-day commerce. And anyone because, based on her everything is labeled in a strange experiences in her home new language. For some country, she thought no one refugees, it means starting life would pay attention. The teens completely anew. When they returned to her apartment to feel comfortable in asking for harass and threaten her, saying help, newcomers look to people they would kill her if she told who can explain the social For some refugees, it means anyone. They phoned her, sent regulations and institutions that starting life completely anew. her threatening letters, and rang now shape their lives. If law her doorbell. She and her enforcement reaches out with a mother, who lived with her, felt patient and friendly hand, it can frightened and helpless. The erase old stereotypes and build woman gathered her courage strong, safe bridges of and reported her experiences to understanding. the International Institute of New Jersey. According to Phi Taking the Lead Nguyen, the Institute's Crime Victimization Coordinator, the Although a partnership is a woman sought help from the two-way street, the host Crime Victimization Program, community often has the which acted as a bridge to ser- resources and the community vices from the local police base to take the lead in reaching department. 'She now freely out to new residents. reports crimes to the police with Additionally, police officers and the aid of a translator and sees other members of the criminal the police as supportive public justice system are role models If law enforcement takes the servants," reports Nguyen. for the community at large. If first step, others will follow. law enforcement takes the first The complicated realities of step in working with families laws, rights, and regulations can from another culture, others will overwhelm a new resident. The follow that lead. This sets the confusion of their new experi- stage for community-wide ences is compounded by strange action to work more closely driving regulations, unfamiliar with refugees. symbols on street signs, grocery stores with unusual foods, To become culturally unaccustomed school enrollment competent, take the first

31 step to get to know the new have decreased since a members of the community. Community Service Officer Take time out to talk with began meeting with the par- Cambodian shopkeepers. ents of Asian gang members. Spend an hour each afternoon at the playground in the area where · In Portland, Oregon, police Russian families have settled. meet regularly with H'mong Ask to talk about home security community leaders and clan to a women's group, with help heads to discuss problems in from an interpreter. Actively their community. As a result Actively reach out to all ethnic reach out to all the ethnic groups of a better understanding groups in the community. in the community. Check with between refugees and law local refugee resettlement groups enforcement, refugees are for guidance. more comfortable in reporting crime, and community Gaining Access to Refugee members are experiencing Communities Informally and both a decrease in fear and a Formally sense of increased protection. According to research conducted by the Ford · In Abbeville, Louisiana, the Foundation, positive personal Office of Migration and interaction is key to gaining Refugee Services and the access to refugee communities.' Vietnamese-American Vot- Law enforcement often has ers Association invited the excellent opportunities to do this mayor, a district court judge, Positive personal interaction is through day-to-day application and the chief of police to a key to gaining access to of community policing town meeting focusing on refugee communities. techniques. Walking through crime reduction. A housing complexes, talking with translator served as liaison in merchants, attending social or the dialogue. holiday gatherings, getting to know children playing on the One of the more effective street - these techniques are methods of gaining access to the building blocks of inter-cultural refugee population is through a trust. local Mutual Assistance Associ-

· In Willows, California, ethnic tensions among youth

32 ation (MAA) or voluntary and cultural services and/or agency that has assisted or informal counseling; usually sponsored a local refugee headed by a monk, priest, or resettlement. Although MAAs other religious leader. don't yet exist in all communities where refugees · Special constituency have settled, they are part of a groups: including women's growing movement to enable groups, senior citizen foreign-born residents to settle in societies, specific fraternal the United States with a greater groups (such as veterans), sense of cultural accom- students, and professional modation. societies. These groups are usually able to mobilize Some MAAs are loosely volunteers and carry out MAAs provide a range of structured; others are well-organized programs of services to newcomers. sophisticated, incorporated activities that address the organizations. The groups interests of their provide a range of services to membership. newcomers, varying from emergency assistance to formal · Resettlement/social services: employment and social service providing a range of services programs to long-term with access to limited public community development. They funding. These groups can be categorized into six major usually have more demands types, according to their primary on their services than they service or program focus: can meet.

· Cultural preservation and · Business and economic social activities: generally development: providing operating on a voluntary programs with the potential basis and picking up where to enhance refugee economic the domestic resettlement power. These groups lay the system left off by helping groundwork for local newcomers find a home in refugee business American society. associations, chambers of commerce, and community · Religious services: pro- development corporations. viding traditional religious

33 · Advocacy and political from the refugee community. In action: focusing on political others, there are sworn Commu- action and advocacy, nity Relations or Outreach including election year Officers who serve as liaison politicking, voter registration between the department and the drives, and working for refugee population(s). selected candidates.5 The role of community MAAs are an excellent relations personnel is most often source of help for law defined by the needs of the enforcement officers seeking to department and the community. reach out to the refugee Among the duties described by community. Many MAAs rely a number of community on a network of volunteers to relations personnel across the offer interpreter/translation country are: services or to serve as liaison between refugees and elements · serve as general liaison of the criminal justice system. between ethnic community They also help ease tensions if and police; there is a lack of understanding · educate refugees about law MAAs are an excellent source between newcomers and law enforcement, sometimes in of help for law enforcement enforcement and work directly their homes; officers seeking to reach out to with law enforcement to · translate important legal the refugee community. establish personal safety, crime documents; prevention, or other education · meet with parents of gang programs. Lists of local MAAs members; and of Volunteer Assistance · begin crime watch groups; Agencies (VOLAGS) are · work with youth groups; usually available from state · teach crime prevention to offices of the Office of Refugee merchant groups and others; Resettlement or from the contact · encourage victims to report for volunteer organizations in domestic violence or child the governor's office. abuse; and · help when there are medical Community Relations emergencies or other crises.

In some communities, According to Lt. Andrew officers are accompanied on Hall of the Westminster, their beat by personnel hired

34 California, Police Department, receive comprehensive the benefits of working with information not only about ethnic community relations crime and the legal process, but liaisons include: also about victim assistance, domestic violence, and the cycle · more effective problem- of violence, when victims of solving; abuse continue the violence by · minimization of the abusing others. Often these language barrier; concepts are perceived · reduction of stereotypes; differently, or the crimes are · cross-cultural education; ignored, in their cultures. · cross-cultural friendship and trust; and It is also important to teach · increased liaison between ethnic law enforcement communities. personnel how to remain accessible to members of their Some police officers who community. This lesson can come from the refugee often be taught by example: Hiring one ethnic employee is community have expressed when police officers and staff are not sufficient to meet the needs difficulty in trying to "work in accessible to all community of a multi-cultural two camps at the same time." residents, refugee employees community. Serving as liaison between two learn to overcome cultural communities, they feel that they inhibitions. Create an are expected to solve all the atmosphere where refugees feel problems for everyone. When comfortable asking questions. hiring an officer or staff member Take the time to find solutions from another culture, it is to their problems and concerns. important that the police department clearly define roles It is critical to understand and responsibilities; the that hiring one ethnic employee organization must provide ¾ or a representative of only sufficient support so that the one gender ¾ is not sufficient to employee can address problems meet the needs of a multi- effectively. cultural community. One officer or staff person is a good start; It is critical to provide cul- several officers, including males tural training to refugees who and females, are considerably join a law enforcement staff, better, particularly if the either as sworn officers or as community includes a variety of civilians. Make sure that they ethnic groups.

35 Hiring ethnic community service Community Outreach personnel should be just one part of a comprehensive In St. Paul, Minnesota, A strategy. Community Outreach Program ¾ ACOP ¾ brings the police Storefronts department and the city's public housing agency together to offer Police storefronts personal safety and crime successfully bring a variety of prevention programs to the large services directly to refugee Southeast Asian refugee Police storefront (stations) neighborhoods in several population. ACOP has eight bring a variety of services to communities. A storefront in uniformed police officers ¾ refugee neighborhoods. Dorchester, Massachusetts, including three H'mong officers staffed with one Vietnamese and one plainclothes officer who woman serving as community patrol the public housing liaison and three full-time police communities, making friends officers assigned to assist her, with the residents and helping provides a wide range of them with their problems. They services to the Vietnamese perform all the regular duties of community. The storefront staff a police officer, walking through gives presentations on crime pre- the community on foot during vention to ESL classes and the summer months, and distributes brochures on crime routinely attend resident council and gang prevention techniques. meetings, coach athletic teams, They also arrange for court and provide leadership for youth translation and assist with com- activities. There are also two munity organization, reaching full-time Cambodian crime the community through posters prevention specialists who have and newspaper ads. established block clubs that meet Uniformed police officers regularly. patrol the public housing The Dorchester storefront communities, making friends has made strong inroads into the ACOP also sponsors an with the residents and helping community's fear of crime. Asian social worker who assists them with their problems. According to John Chen, the young people involved in first- storefront's Community Service time misdemeanor offenses and Officer: "When residents see you provides emergency intervention are making an effort and services and spending time with the community, they trust you."

36 counseling to families in crisis As rifts grow between situations, such as domestic generations of refugees, young disputes. people sometimes seek support Seven days a week ACOP has and acceptance from other interpreters who provide The police department and groups, such as gangs. While assistance in English, Lao, the housing agency have their parents are dealing with the H’mong, and Thai. dedicated phone lines with difficulties of settling in a new Asian-speaking operators for and often unaccommodating calls from residents who do not country, the teens see youth speak English. In addition, gang members wearing gold more people are willing to report jewelry and driving expensive concerns or criminal incidents cars. They equate gang because they feel they have membership with success and developed a special relationship acceptance. with the officers who patrol their neighborhoods. Seven days a Programs that offer alter- week, ACOP has interpreters natives have been able to who provide assistance in provide the same sense of English, Lao, H'mong, and acceptance and belonging that Thai. youth seek from gangs. To be successful, such programs Working with Young involve the parents of potential Refugees gang members, teaching them parenting skills and ways to Children in the refugee recognize the signs of gang community often feel caught in activity in their communities. the middle between the The entire community must be Enlist the aid of someone who traditions of their parents' culture educated and actively engaged can help bridge the cultural and the exciting possibilities of in keeping gangs out of their and generational gap ¾ an their new lives in America. neighborhoods. adult who understands the Fashion styles, social activities, traditions, values, and benefits and peer interaction can become When working with young of the young person’s native battlegrounds between members people who come from different culture. of the younger generation and cultures, it is helpful for law their more traditional elders. enforcement to enlist the aid of Parents fear that their children someone who can help bridge will lose cultural ties to their the cultural and generational gap homeland when they choose to - an adult who understands the speak English, join American traditions, values, and beliefs of youth in their activities, and the young person's native spend less time with the family. culture. Many

37 young people are intimidated by for college scholarships. The a police officer's authority; it is group helped the Lincoln Asian important to develop and foster Community and Cultural Center the understanding that police raise funds for their Asian Night and sheriff's deputies seek to and attended the Governor's serve and protect as well as Conference on Violence and enforce. Youth.

In Lincoln, Nebraska, the Hate- or Bias-Motivated Community Services Unit of the Crimes Police Department is a sponsor of the Lincoln Asian Youth As law enforcement per- Club, open to young people sonnel know, a hate- or bias who are enrolled in ESL classes. motivated crime occurs when a The Club seeks to "help students person or person(s) representing preserve and promote their own one race, religion, value system, culture(s) and at the same time gender, or ethnic origin commits improve their understanding and a crime specifically against knowledge about the new someone who fits into a group It is important to foster the culture through information and hated by the perpetrator. Bias- understanding that police and community activities such as motivated violence can be a sheriff’s deputies seek to serve recreation and entertainment, job physical or emotional act and protect as well as enforce. readiness and career orientation performed with the intent to workshops, and volunteer intimidate or harm a person or services." Young members are the person's property. encouraged to make positive contributions to the community, Incidents of hate- or bias- to pursue higher educational motivated crimes, from goals, and to become productive vandalism to murder, are rising. citizens. Their victims are four times more likely to be hospitalized Meeting every month, the for injuries than are victims of youth attend workshops selected other assaults.6 by the members. Some of the workshops included tours of a The Hate Crimes Statistics TV station, a dental college, and Act of 1990 identifies the a hospital. There have been following as crimes that may be talks on the techniques of bias motivated: photography and how to apply

38 · damage, destruction, or calling," he explains, citing his vandalism of property; program as a catalyst for the · arson; change. "When you explain the · motor vehicle theft; ways of the minority · larceny/theft; community to the residents ¾ · burglary; and explain the law enforcement · intimidation; system to the refugees ¾ the · simple assault; myths about each community · aggravated assault; start to dispel. And there have These crimes have proven to · robbery; been fewer newspaper articles be more than acts of youthful rebellion. · forcible rape; and that contain myths about · murder or negligent refugees and law enforcement manslaughter. since we started giving people factual information." Many perpetrators of hate crimes are in their teens, but Officer Lee says that the these crimes have proven to be decrease in hate and bias in his more than acts of youthful rebel- community is directly due to the lion. Rather, they are violent lessening of tension, brought expressions of feelings about about by cultural education. someone considered different and therefore "wrong." The Education is critical to crimes are motivated by a deep reducing these crimes. Many emotional commitment to and communities have solicited defense of one's own group, and public support and cooperation in most cases are carried out by to organize hate-violence groups of four or more people prevention and victim assistance efforts. Schools educate ¾ people who would not students about the traditions and necessarily have acted alone. standards of other cultures, helping young people develop Education is critical to Thomas Lee, the Commu- respect for people from other reducing these crimes. nity Relations Officer for the countries and understand that Willows (CA) Police being different is not "wrong." Department, reports that feelings Neighborhood groups invite of hate and bias have decreased speakers from different ethnic since he started making presenta- backgrounds to enlighten them tions to groups in the on a vast array of cultural community. "Among the traditions. Police young people, there has been much less tension and name

39 departments encourage refugees It is important when to report hate violence, helping teaching crime prevention to bring the perpetrators to techniques to avoid increasing a justice for their crimes. newcomer's fear of crime, which could result in isolation from the Crime Prevention: Personal rest of the community. Accurate Safety, Neighborhood and information can also emphasize Business Watch the positive skills of self-protection. Assure newcomers that Teaching personal safety and neighbors, police officers, and Refugees may not immediately organizing crime prevention community groups are there to welcome what they may programs in multi-cultural help them live safely in their perceive as intrusions into communities pose unique new community. their lifestyle. challenges. Refugees may take a long time to adjust to their new Developing or expanding a surroundings, not immediately crime prevention program that welcoming what they may addresses the concerns of perceive as intrusions into their refugees is more successful lifestyle. Once trust has been when it couples efforts to teach established, interest in and personal safety techniques with acceptance of local programs those that bring the will come, even if the process is neighborhood together. slow. Personal safety should emphasize such basic rules as The language barrier is the locking doors and window, first problem. It can be even when someone is home; overcome at least in part with leaving lights on outside the competent interpreters and well- home after dark; keeping a list translated materials. When of emergency phone numbers approaching new people in a posted by the phone, storing refugee community, law large sums of money or valu- enforcement will be received ables in a safety deposit box with greater hospitality and less rather than at home and keeping reluctance if accompanied by money safely concealed, except someone the refugees trust, such when paying for something. When teaching crime as a representative from the prevention, avoid increasing a volunteer agency that helped Neighborhood programs, newcomer’s fear of crime. with the initial resettlement such as Neighborhood Watch process. and Business

40 Watch, encourages residents to the refugee population in the watch for suspicious activity in community. the community and summon Program evaluation is a appropriate help. When practical tool. It shows whether educating neighbors to be more the program should keep doing Ask for help from groups alert in recognizing suspicious what it's doing, do more of it, experienced in working with activities, also teach them the do it differently, or stop doing refugees and immigrants. appropriate action to take. New- it. comers to the neighborhood may be willing to join a watch · Evaluation tells if goals have program when they feel been reached, such as: comfortable being around their American neighbors. Watch · reducing crime in refugee organizers should make special communities; attempts to make refugees feel welcome and carefully explain · reducing the fear of crime; the details of the program. · developing long-term When organizing a programs that help refugees Neighborhood or Business become participating Program evaluation is a Watch group, ask for help from members of the community; practical tool. local government agencies, private advocacy and service · helping refugees become organizations, religious self-sufficient; institutions, mediation services, and other groups experienced in · keeping young refugees out working with refugees or of gangs or other trouble; immigrants. An interpreter will be helpful during meetings. · increasing reports of crimes Print materials in appropriate against refugees; and languages, if reliable translators are available. · raising the quality of life for refugees moving into the Evaluating Bridge-Building community. and Crossing Efforts Program evaluation has It is vitally important to be other useful benefits. Valid able to evaluate efforts to build records of successes (or failures) and cross cultural bridges with ¾ barriers faced, lessons learned ¾ will

41 affect the amount of public, volunteer, and other support the · Program results: The athletic program might attract as well as program developed into one the amount of future funding it of the sports highlights of receives. the year, resulting in a yearly tennis tournament with other When setting up a program, school teams. After two think in terms of the goals assembly programs, the (desired outcome) of the American students expressed program, what elements must go an interest in sponsoring a into program to reach the goals, multi-cultural food fair as a Think in terms of goals, what and the expected results. For fund-raiser. Incidents and elements must go into the example, if a youth program perpetrators of anti-refugee program to reach the goals, was established to deal with graffiti were reported to and the expected results. high school graffiti that makes school security and the ethnic slurs against Jewish teens police department. Six from the former Soviet Union, months after the youth club the program's success might be was organized, the graffiti assessed this way: problem was under control. Only one incident and that · The desired outcome: greater was non-ethnic - had been cultural sensitivity among reported in the six months teens and reduction or compared with six or seven elimination of ethnic-bias at the program's start, all of hate crimes at school and which were anti-semitic. after school. In this example, the mea- · Program elements: A multi- surements of success are two- cultural youth club that fold: simply put, the problem ¾ sponsors an athletic anti-ethnic graffiti ¾ was program, social resolved. Additionally, attitudes opportunities for young toward refugee students people from differing ethnic changed, as measured by backgrounds, a graffiti paint- increased interest, involvement, out squad, and a twice- and acceptance by the American yearly assembly program students. These changes featuring skits and ethnic songs and dances for all students.

42 can be gauged by student such as costs for printing surveys, crime reports, clippings translated educational from the student newspaper or pamphlets, purchasing athletic the local media, or interviews equipment, and providing with teachers, coaches, and other refreshments. Indirect costs can school personnel. include time at the school, talking with parents about the Crime data are valuable as program, and any travel costs pre- and post-program incurred. measurements. They measure the situation before the program If graffiti at the high school began and compare it with the is costing $3,000 a year to clean situation after the program has up and the program that After the program has been in effect for a reasonable eliminates graffiti costs $1,750 a achieved measurable success, amount of time, which varies year, the program is certainly (others) may be willing to with the type of program. cost effective. become partners.

Mid-program evaluations are After the program has also valuable for recording achieved measurable success, problems that may have with evidence that it is making a developed. If the program is not difference not only at the school eliciting the desired outcome, it but also in the reduced amount may be wise to conduct a mid- of graffiti on buildings in the course correction by changing community, business owners some of the program elements. may be willing to become A midterm evaluation may also partners by donating funds to reveal that the program is not support a program expansion ¾ working at all and that the best or at least a continuation. They choice is to discontinue that may prefer to donate sports effort and develop a substitute or equipment, food for social alternate program. events, or other inkind items. Always remember to publicly In these times of limited acknowledge donations from resources, it is also useful to benefactors. Public recognition determine whether the program will elicit continued support is cost-effective. Measure both from current partners and direct and indirect costs that encourage new partners to get have gone into the program, on the bandwagon.

43 Successful Bridge-Crossing: A counseling, athletic Summary of Actions Law programs, housing Enforcement Can Take assistance, and other services. · When refugees have resettled in the community, take the · Make a special effort to lead - assign officers to befriend young refugees patrol their neighborhood on who often find barriers easier foot to get to know them, to overcome than do their one-on-one. This process parents. Teaching children may take time, but the time to roller skate may help them and effort are worth it. win acceptance from American children in the · Ask a qualified bi-lingual neighborhood. Coaching a member of the refugee young boy or girl on a community to volunteer or softball team may keep him work as a liaison between or her from joining a gang. the refugee and law enforcement communities. · Educate the community about bias- or hate- · Set up a storefront in a motivated crimes. refugee neighborhood to Community intolerance of provide decentralized police hateful prejudice is the and interpreter services. keystone of hate-crime Encourage other gov- prevention. ernment agencies social services, medical, family · Develop personal safety and assistance - to offer services Neighborhood or Business and information through the Watch programs that include storefront. refugees. Take a little extra time for people who are just · Start a community outreach learning to speak and under- program that strengthens stand English. trust between law enforcement and refugees through

44 Resources security. Programs focus on Center for Applied Study of Ethno- women from Southeast Asia, the Violence Middle East, Central America, and Room 132, Stephens Hall Annex the Horn of Africa. Programs Towson State University include expanding leadership Towson, Maryland 21204 skills, conducting research on 410-830-2435 needs and priorities, developing community training curricula, and A national center dedicated supporting education and exclusively to the study of and advocacy for refugee women. response to violence and intimidation motivated by The Cambodian Network Council prejudice. Collects, analyzes, 713 D Street, SE produces, and disseminates Washington, DC 20003 information and materials on 202-546-9144 programs of prevention and response. Assists Cambodian-Americans to achieve self-sufficiency through Southeast Asian Resource Action training, leadership development, Center advocacy, and coalition-building. 1628 16th Street, NW Programs include information- Washington, DC 20009 sharing, site visits to resettled 202-667-4690 refugee communities, technical assistance to Mutual Assistance SEARAC educates the public Associations, projects for people concerning Southeast Asia and with special needs (youth, women, assists private and public agencies elderly), and enhanced public in meeting the needs of refugees education. from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The organization Ethiopian Community Development provides a clearinghouse, training, Council and technical assistance. It 1038 South Highland Street addresses such areas as leadership Arlington, Virginia 22204 development, advocacy, 703-685-0510 community empowerment, and international development and Nonprofit organization provides a reconstruction. variety of services, such as employment counseling, Refugee Women in Development, Inc. transitional housing, micro- 1735 1 Street, NW, Suite 501 enterprise grants, translation ser- Washington, DC 20006 vices, and referrals to Ethiopian 202-289-1104 refugees.

Helps refugee women resettled in the United States attain social and economic independence and

45 Notes 1 The Economic and Social Adjust- ment of Non-Southeast Asian Refugees, Vols. I and 11, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1986.

2 Barry Edmonston and Jeffrey S. Passel, "U.S. Immigration and Ethnicity in the 21st Century," Populations Today, October 1992.

3 National Crime Prevention Coun- cil, When a Child Reports a Crime, Washington, DC: 1992, p. 58.

4 Ford Foundation, p. 6.

5 Le Xuan Khoa and Diane Bui, "Indonesian Mutual Assistance Association" in Bridging Cultures, Washington, DC (Publisher unknown), 1980.

6 National Crime Prevention Coun- cil, Talking with Youth about Pre- vention, Washington, DC: 1992, p. 329.

46 CHAPTER III AN INTRODUCTION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR THE REFUGEE COMMUNITY

This chapter is for anyone departments has resulted in associated with refugee changes in policies and attitudes resettlement and serves to about policing.1 Chief among introduce the basic operation of these is an understanding of the the American criminal justice importance of a community system. It outlines the issues of partnership in controlling and refugee victimization and how preventing crime. Police refugees can work with law departments and sheriffs' offices enforcement to decrease their are relying increasingly on non- chances of being targets of police resources, such as neigh- crime. It also provides borhood associations, other suggestions for working more governmental offices, and even closely with American members youth organizations, to create of the community to break conditions that increase public down cultural barriers. In this safety. Law enforcement has context, law enforcement can begun to focus on solving include members of city police problems and assisting the departments; county sheriffs' community to learn to live more offices; state police and/or safely, not just reacting to calls highway patrol offices; and for help. federal, regional or state offices of the Federal Bureau of Experts have documented Investigation (FBI), Drug that crime is heavily affected by Enforcement Administration social forces poverty, social (DEA), U.S. Customs, and isolation, low education levels, Department of Alcohol, lack of family stability ¾ and Law enforcement has begun Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). that community ¾ based action to focus on solving problems must be the cornerstone of any and assisting the community, Changes in Policing in the effort to increase public safety.2 not just reacting to calls for United States service. With this new emphasis on a In the past decade, a "quiet police-community revolution" within police

47 partnership comes a wide range other information through of opportunities for cooperative workshops to Russian, Cuban, police-refugee relations. and Vietnamese refugees settled Though not all police in the area. departments or sheriffs' offices practice community policing, In Long Beach, California, most have established programs police are working to develop With this new emphasis n that address personal safety, the close ties to Latino and police-community partnership fear of crime in the community, Cambodian and other Asian comes a wide range of victim assistance, youth people through a neighborhood opportunities. outreach, crisis intervention, storefront walk-in center that crime witnessing, and social offers on-site translation of service referral. These programs important materials, community lay the groundwork for more education on crime prevention, effective personal, face-to-face and after-school activities for contact between the community refugee youth. They also reach and members of the police out to ethnic groups through department. home visits, flyers distributed throughout the neighborhood, This philosophy of policing, and workshops and meetings on also called problem-oriented issues of concern to residents. policing, emphasizes creative problem-solving and crime Refugees in any community prevention strategies based on can access police programs by the identified needs of the requesting that the department community. Police who patrol provide printed materials that neighborhoods on foot have describe community-based greater opportunity to talk to the services. These materials can be residents, become acquainted translated and distributed door- with local merchants, understand to-door or through schools, local problems and needs, and community businesses, or other reduce the fear of crime simply local agencies that serve by their presence. refugees. It is critical, however, to ensure that any translation In Jersey City, the Inter- reflects the actual intent of the national Institute of New Jersey document by requiring that the works with the police materials be "back translated" ¾ department in a Crime translated from the ethnic Victimization Project that language back provides crime prevention and

48 into English to cross-check for protection from physical abuse changes or nuances in meaning. or threats from police to have an attorney present during If materials are not available, questioning, to remain silent inquire if there is a community when questioned without an relations or crime prevention attorney present, to be heard by officer who can meet with mem- the Court, to present evidence bers of the community. If on one's behalf, to cross- language is a barrier, perhaps a examine witnesses, and to member of the refugee examine pertinent court files. community or the local Mutual There is a system of appeals to Assistance Agency can interpret. help ensure these rights.

An Overview of the Criminal In a question-and-answer Justice System session at a town meeting in Police are the first point of Abbeville, Louisiana, the chief contact many refugees have A police department's crime of police and district court judge with the criminal justice prevention program and other clarified the following set of system. community services directly rights for the Vietnamese audi- affect a refugee community, ence: because police are the first point of contact many refugees have The [U.S.] Constitution with the criminal justice system. guarantees the right to It is important for a newcomer to privacy. An officer cannot this country to understand how come into your home unless the criminal justice system he has a warrant or unless works. A well-translated guide you invite [him] into your to the criminal justice system home. [T]here are only three would serve as a valuable ways a policeman can search resource for refugees newly your home: settled in the United States. 1. If you invite him to do The U.S. criminal justice so (give your permission). system is based on state and federal laws that spell out 2. If a criminal has been acceptable and prohibited followed into the home. behavior. The system guarantees all residents certain 3. If the police hear and constitutional and civil rights. believe that Such rights include the right to

49 something inside the home 2. Someone else ¾ the victim, is illegal. [Then] they go to a witness, a bystander ¾ notifies the judge [who reviews the the police department usually by information]; [then] he signs calling 9-1-1 as soon as a search warrant. possible.

... No matter who is in your 3. The responding officer(s) house, you can only use identifies him- or herself as force (gun or any other police, as required by law, and weapon) if that person makes sure the victim is all right, comes at you with a or, if not, sees that he or she gets weapon.3 proper help.

One of the most urgent 4. The police department starts criminal justice needs of an investigation, which may be Refugees need access to refugees is access to translated conducted by a different officer, translated documentation of documentation of their rights as to find out what happened, their rights protected by law. protected by U.S. law. This identifying witnesses, if any, information should explain as and taking their statements and well as cite those rights. their names and addresses.

Law enforcement work 5. If the police have enough covers a wide variety of duties, evidence to identify a suspect, including directing traffic and they obtain an arrest warrant enforcing traffic laws to from the court and arrest the sus- investigating accidents, teaching pect(s). crime prevention, conducting home security surveys, working 6. The facts of the case are with community groups to presented to the prosecuting heighten awareness of crime, (state or district) attorney who and investigating serious crimes, determines the appropriate such as burglary, assault, and charges to be filed. murder. 7. The accused faces a If a law enforcement officer preliminary hearing where the is called to investigate a crime, victim or witness may be asked the following sequence of events to testify. The is common (although there can be some variation from one part of the country to another): 1. Someone commits a crime.

50 accused may be allowed to post not a physical threat to the bail to be released from jail. community, he or she can be Bail is an amount of money set released from custody on his or by the court to guarantee that the her own recognizance, without defendant will return to court for bail, until court proceedings. trial. Other suspects are released under the supervision of another 8. The accused stands trial; the person or a program, such as a The principles of law victim and/or witness is again drug rehabilitation clinic. enforcement may have been asked to testify. different in those countries If the defendant is convicted represented by the refugees. 9. The jury or judge decides if at trial, he or she has the right to the defendant is innocent or appeal the conviction to a higher guilty, based on the evidence court if procedural error, a and personal testimony of wit- misapplication of the law, or a nesses. denial of key rights is believed to have occurred. 10. If guilty, the defendant receives a sentence. He or she If the crime is theft, the may (or may not) have to go to victim may get the property jail, pay a fine or restitution back (if it is recovered) and/or (payment to the victim for receive financial assistance. The damages), and/or complete a victim generally has the right to community service project. sue the perpetrator for financial retribution in civil court. Note in the seventh item above, the U.S. criminal justice The principles of law system also grants rights to the enforcement may have been accused by permitting a suspect different in those countries to pay (or have paid on his or represented by the refugees in her behalf) a specified amount of the community. One critical cash, set by the court, as security difference is that in the United for being released from jail until States, many law enforcement he or she comes to trial in court. officers are trained to help This is called bail; it may also be people and the community with called a security release. The specific needs, not just "catch suspect who does not show up the bad guys." The police are for trial forfeits bail. Sometimes, responsible for arresting if the alleged criminal is criminals who are then considered to be a good risk and processed through the

51 criminal justice system, but they to experiences in their native also help keep people from land, open themselves to a wide being victimized. The primary array of crimes, many of which job of law enforcement is help- are never reported. ing the community. Crime victimizes a com- Most police and sheriff's munity in many ways: departments have crime and drug abuse prevention programs · Residents fear and distrust that aim to keep crime and people around them. substance abuse out of Neighborhood anxiety and neighborhoods. These tension increase. programs are supplemented by instruction in areas such as · Criminals take over public domestic violence and child spaces, such as parks, abuse prevention, senior citizen forcing residents back into safety, home security, and their houses. school safety. Police departments are also an integral · The prices of goods and part of Neighborhood and Busi- services may increase to ness Watch programs, which cover losses incurred due to have decreased the incidence of crimes. burglary, vandalism, and other crimes in many communities. · Local businesses may close or move to a safer Crime Against Refugees: neighborhood, thus Avoiding Victimization decreasing opportunities for employment and services Although official crime available to local Refugees (may) open statistics do not account communities. themselves to a wide array of separately for victimization crimes, many of which are among refugees, it is valid to · Abandoned buildings attract never reported. assume that newcomers have further criminal activity ¾ certain vulnerabilities that make drug sales, arson, and them targets of criminals. vandalism. Refugees who are uncertain about the workings of the · The sense of community American criminal justice cohesion and pride may system, who speak or deteriorate as individual understand little English, and isolation increases. who may be reluctant to talk freely with police authorities due

52 · Crime also interferes with neighborhood, provide civic activity, such as wel- baby-sitting services, or coming and supporting assist elderly residents with refugees. It interferes with a routine chores. community's ability to deal with constructive change. · Contact government agencies, such as housing Groups or individuals and transportation, to associated with refugee address physical problems in resettlement - and refugees the neighborhood, such as themselves can take steps to abandoned cars, decrease their chances of refugee deteriorating housing, and victimization: poor street lighting.

· Encourage community · Organize a citizens' com- familiarity and solidarity. mittee to design neigh- Plan picnics, festivals, or borhood strategies for other social events to draw increased personal and neighbors out of their neighborhood safety. houses. Plan a wide range of opportunities sports Victimization rates decrease events, concerts, summer when community members learn day camps, art shows ¾ for both how to work together to neighbors to get to know prevent crime as well as how to each other. Neighbors who work with the police when know each other watch out crimes occur. for each other. How Refugees Can Help Law · Get in touch with law Enforcement Protect Them enforcement and experienced community crime Refugees can contribute to prevention organizations. the safety and security of their Refugees can contribute to the Ask them to come into the neighborhoods by learning to safety and security of their community to make work in an effective partnership neighborhoods. presentations, such as how with law enforcement officials. to report crimes and They can learn how to use crime participate in court prevention skills and how to processes. report suspicious activities to the police department. Documents · Organize a youth patrol ¾ that explain the following steps teens who help clean up the can be translated

53 into the native language o the Cooperation might keep the refugees in the community. criminal from victimizing someone else. · Anyone witnessing or experiencing a crime should · If asked to identify a suspect do the following: in a lineup, do the best possible job, and remember · Call the police (in most that the suspect can not see communities, 9-1-1) the people looking at him. immediately. Joining Groups: Becoming · Try to stay calm, even an Involved Community though the experience may Member be upsetting. When refugees first arrive in · Tell the police what hap- their new community, they are pened, where it happened, faced with the immediate chal- and the caller's name. lenges of learning a new language, adjusting to a new · If anyone is hurt, ask for social atmosphere, seeking medical assistance. employment, and establishing a daily routine that fits into the · Write down everything standards and traditions of a new about the crime to tell the culture. This period of police. adjustment may take many months ¾ or longer ¾ but at · Try to remember as many some point, the initial shock of details as possible, such as resettlement will be replaced by Refugees will find that there the scene of the crime, a feeling of familiarity and are people and organizations number and description of accommodation. who share common interests suspects (age, sex, color of with them. hair, height, weight, While going through this distinguishing features) or period of adjustment, refugees description of criminal's will find that there are people vehicle (make, model, color, and organized groups who share license number) and which common interests with them in direction it traveled when it neighborhood improvement, left the scene. community safety, recreational activities, political issues envi- · If asked to make a complaint or testify in court, do so.

54 ronmental concerns, and seminars. As a result, Polish economic progress, among other refugees become acquainted things. These groups are able to with other business owners and bring support and power to an are exposed to a wider range of issue that individuals alone economic opportunities. could not. They work for the betterment of the community in Using Existing Systems To many ways. Many have funds Educate Others that enable the group to reach its goals more easily. Part of the challenge for refugees is to learn about life in By becoming active in the United States. The other efforts to improve their By becoming active in the part is to teach Americans about community, refugees find their community, refugees find that the refugees' native cultures. concerns get greater attention their concerns get greater This two-way educational from the community. attention. process is critical for mutual Involvement in local groups understanding and trust. such as neighborhood associations, school Many avenues for cultural organizations, service clubs, and education already exist. There church-related groups bring their are ready-made audiences in refugee interests and concerns to schools, special interest groups, a wider audience, resulting in law enforcement-sponsored partnerships for positive action. events, religious institutions, neighborhood organizations, For example, if members of a Polish refugee group in civic groups, businesses, and Chicago find that there are youth clubs. Newcomers can insufficient business networks share information about national that include Polish merchants, history, religious traditions, they can join a neighborhood holidays, cooking styles, The two-way educational merchants' association that literature, music, or art. works closely with the Chamber process is critical for mutual understanding and trust. of Commerce. Through this Approaching a group to link, the Polish merchants can offer cultural education can be as bring their concerns to the atten- simple as making a phone call or tion of the Chamber, requesting inclusion in Chamber-sponsored writing a letter. Find out the events, such as neighborhood name of the person in charge of business breakfasts and

55 scheduling special events. Ask out how many and who the if there are people in the group audience will be. Tailor the interested in learning about presentation to the audience's another culture. Tell the interest, bring artifacts or scheduling chairman: examples, and leave time to answer questions. · the subject of the talk is (probably something that Successful Bridge-Crossing: A would be of specific interest Summary of Actions Refugees to them, such as a Can Take presentation on schooling in the refugee's home country · Plan a neighborhood picnic to an assembly at the local or other outdoor event to get elementary school); to know the people who live next door. Remember to · when the talk can be given invite the police officer(s) (ask when it would be assigned to the area. convenient for them); · If bilingual, offer to serve as · how long the presentation a translator and/or interpreter will take (this will depend for the police department. on the age of the audience; Assist in translating younger groups tend to important legal documents become restless during long and crime and drug preven- presentations); tion materials for distribution to the refugee community. · whether special equipment, such as a microphone, slide · Learn how to be a good projector, blackboard, or witness and report crime. record player will be needed; and whether materials will · Ask the police department to be handed out. demonstrate crime prevention and personal · whether materials will be safety techniques to residents handed out. of the neighborhood or members of a temple. A brief, one-time presentation may expand to become a · If time permits, join com- yearly ¾ or more frequent ¾ munity groups, such as the event for all the students at the school's Parent- high school, or for a local art museum association, or for a group of music historians. Find

56 Teacher Association, the Resources neighborhood association or International Association of Chiefs of block group, the Boy or Girl Police Scouts, a homemakers' club. 515 N. Washington Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314-2357 If work or another 703-836-6767 commitment conflicts with joining, find out about International membership participating in a one-time organization of law enforcement special event, such as a executives that develops policy, weekend cultural fair or offers advocacy and training, and group picnic. publishes information on the full range of policing issues. Can provide law enforcement · Plan a special event at home documents and legal literature for and invite new friends or co- translation. workers to share the Police Executive Research Forum celebration. Cook native 2300 M Street, NW, Suite 910 foods, or demonstrate ritual Washington, DC 20037 202-466-7820 clothing or festival activities. National membership organization · Arrange talks about refugee dedicated to improving policing native cultures to school and advancing professionalism children, community through research and involvement associations, coworkers, in public policy debate. Provides an extensive number of publi- religious groups, or special cations on a wide range of law interest organizations. enforcement topics, such as community policing. National Organization for Victim Assistance 1757 Park Road, NW Washington, DC 20010 202-232-6682

NOVA works to achieve recognition and implementation of victims' rights and services. Provides training, technical assistance, and direct services to crime victims. Maintains an information clearinghouse on issues related to victimization.

57 Office for Victims of Crime instruction that facilitate Office of Justice Programs immigrants' compliance with legal U.S. Department of Justice requirements for residency and 633 Indiana Avenue, NW citizenship. Washington, DC 20531 202-307-5983 National Institute for Dispute Resolution Federal office addressing the needs 1726 M Street, NW, Suite 500 of crime victims. Recommends Washington, DC 20036 system reforms for improving vic- 202-466-4764 tim treatment and provides national leadership by administering grants. Promotes development of fair, Supports training, forums, effective, and efficient conflict publications, and task forces that resolution processes and programs help states improve their response in new arenas locally, nationally, to crime. and internationally. Stimulates innovative approaches to National Victim Center productive resolution of future 2111 Wilson Boulevard conflict. Programs include Suite 300 initiatives in public policy, youth, Arlington, Virginia 22201 quality of justice, communities, 703-276-2880 and education.

Dedicated to reducing the National Sheriffs' Association consequences of crime on victims 1450 Duke Street and society by promoting victims' Alexandria, Virginia 22314 rights and victim assistance, the 703-836-7827 Center offers training and technical assistance, a quarterly newsletter, Sponsors a number of programs legislative database, toll-free including Neighborhood Watch information and referral, and a and ational Sheriffs' Institute. crime victim civil litigation referral Conducts victim assistance service. program, provides training, research, technical assistance, and Immigration and Naturalization Service publications. Offers consultation U.S. Department of Justice and technical assistance in several 4251 Street, NW areas. Partners with American Washington, DC 20536 Association of Retired Persons and 202-616-7762 International Association of Chiefs of Police in Triad program Administers U.S. immigration and assisting the elderly in preventing naturalization laws. Provides, crime. through community voluntaryagencies, training and

58 Office of Juvenile Justice and Oversees the Youth Gang Drug Delinquency Prevention Prevention Program, which Office of Justice Programs conducts community-based, U.S. Department of Justice comprehensive, coordinated 633 Indiana Avenue, NW activities to reduce and prevent the Washington, DC 20531 involvement of youth in gangs that Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse: engage in illicit drug activities. 800-638-8736 National Association of Town Watch The central federal agency for Post Off ice Box 303 juvenile justice and delinquency 7 Wynnewood Road, Suite 215 prevention matters, OJJDP Wynnewood, Pennsylvania 19096 conducts research, funds 610-649-7055 demonstration programs, and provides training and technical Non-profit membership assistance. Administers state organization that sponsors the formula grant program; National Night Out, an annual disseminates information and neighborhood event that publications. encourages community residents to get to know each other. Dedicated American Bar Association to the development and promotion Section on Dispute Resolution of organized community crime and 1800 M Street, NW, Suite 209 drug prevention activities. Washington, DC 20036 202-331-2258

Sponsors more than 400 dispute Notes resolution programs across the nation. Provides a clearinghouse 1 "Police and Communities: The for conflict mediation information Quiet Revolution," Perspectives and sponsors a program that on Policing, No. 1. Washington, encourages law off ices to adopt DC: US Department of Justice, local high schools and assist them 1988. in implementing mediation programs. 2 Dennis P. Rosenbaum, "Commu- nity Crime Prevention: A Review Administration on Children nd and Synthesis of the Literature," Families Justice Quarterly, No. 5, 1988, pp. U.S. Department of Health and 323-395. Human Services 370 C Street, NW, Room 2428 3 Durwood Conque, Judge 15th Washington, DC 20201 Judicial Court of Louisiana and 202-205-8024 Michael D. Hardy, Chief of Police, City of Abbeville, Louisiana, n.d.

59 AN OPTIMISTIC WORD

The United States, like other Identify shared interests: countries, has had to address Diverse cultures come together problems associated with successfully to improve the strained relations between quality of life in their cultures. Unfortunately, community. Focus attention on sometimes this strain has led to unifying activities that require violence by American citizens the energies and talents of all and by newly-settled residents. people to reach a shared goal.

But most Americans and Support local initiatives: most leaders of refugee groups Communities should support are intolerant of bias-related policy initiatives that bring crime, and many organizations together newcomers and focus on building harmony and established residents. Local healing between races. initiatives should include Communities highlighted in this education, community book - while not completely free development, special events of tension between cultures - are (such as festivals and inter-ethnic bringing newcomers and conferences), and day-to-day established residents together. activities.

The 1993 study by the Ford Participate in the political Foundation urges that the U.S. arena: Refugees who become promote opportunities for citizens should become active in resettled refugees to interact with local political processes. The established residents "in ways starting point is voting in local that build meaningful shared elections, but active involvement interests and goals while in the promotion of specific maintaining distinct identities."1 community issues, such as economic policy, community safety, and environmental improvement, can further lead to bridge building and strengthen- ing.

61 Emphasize language cultures together. Leaders must training: Language barriers are have the ability to communicate a major source of tension meaningfully with a variety of between cultures. Newcomers individuals. In many should have easy access to communities, women and English language instruction, teenagers have naturally but Americans should also strive assumed the role of leaders to expand their proficiency in through their day-to-day other languages. interaction with neighbors.

Strengthen local organi- As the Ford Foundation zations: Existing organizations report concludes, finding need to analyze their resources answers to problems that arise and goals in light of the new when refugees and other diversity in communities in the newcomers from different 1990s. These groups need to cultures settle in the U.S. can be eliminate exclusionary policies challenging. But many and practices and to develop communities across the country operational policies that make have taken positive steps to the group more flexible and accommodate them, and their accessible. efforts are producing positive results. Identify and train leaders: Trained leaders and organizers from both cultures are critical to Notes successful efforts in bringing 1 Ford Foundation, page 6.

62 HELPFUL LISTS

Office of Refugee Resettlement Services available: work in cooperation Sites with local law enforcement to help missing, runaway, and abused Khmer Community of Seattle-King children and victims of domestic County violence; gang prevention; court 10025 16th Avenue, SW translation; domestic violence Seattle, Washington 98146 programs; on-call translation for 206-762-3922 police department.

Services available: Residential and Ethnic population: Cambodian business workshops on crime prevention, translation and · interpretation, tutoring, group and individual counseling, social Elgin Young Women's Christian services. Association (YWCA) 220 East Chicago Street Ethnic populations: Vietnamese, Elgin, Illinois 60120 Cambodian, and Laotian 708-742-7930

· Services available: Translation, interpretation, bilingual counseling, legal system information, domestic Boston Police Department violence aid, workshops on gangs 40 Gibson Street and substance abuse. Dorchester, Massachusetts 02122 617-343-4524 or 436-7057 Ethnic populations: Laotian, Hispanic, Ethiopian Services available: Court translation, classroom instructors, community · organization, and gang prevention. Lowell Police Department Ethnic populations: African American, Community Relations Bureau Spanish, Cape Verdian, 50 Arcand Drive Vietnamese Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 508-937-3208 · Services available: Civil rights program, Cambodian Community of gang awareness, Street Smarts Massachusetts, Inc. program, Neighborhood Crime Watch, violence prevention; 375 Broadway, Room 208 school, Post Office Box 6013 Chelsea, Massachusetts 02151 617-884-8004

63 victim services, youth group, Refugee business, and civic group presentations, Task Force, tours of police station, residential Vietnamese videos on public access channel. programs. Ethnic populations: Vietnamese, Russian, Ethnic populations: Cambodian, Laotian, Laotian, Cambodian Vietnamese, Thai, Hispanic, Polish, Greek, Indian, Portuguese, French, · Chinese International Institute of New Jersey · 880 Bergen Avenue Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Migration and Refugee Services 201-653-3888 1408 Carmel Avenue Lafayette, Louisiana 70501 Services available: Ethnic advocacy, crime 318-261-5535 victim counseling, employment services, information and referral, on-site Services available: On-site translation for interpreting for police, court interpreting. police, victim assistance, court translation, educational seminars. Ethnic populations: Cuban,Vietnamese, Russian Ethnic population: Vietnamese · · Willows Police Department Portland Police Bureau 201 North Lassen Street 1111 SW 2nd Avenue Willows, California 95988 Portland, Oregon 97204 916-934-3456 503-823-4106 Services available: Criminal justice agency Services available: Multi-cultural advisory documents translation, gang prevention, council, 24-hour interpreting service, Southeast Asian Task Force, police gang prevention, crime prevention, interpretation on- and off-site, summer youth activities. community crime prevention, referrals, counseling Ethnic populations: Vietnamese, Chinese, Cambodian, Laotian, Mien, H'mong Ethnic populations: H'mong, Laotian

· · St. Rita's Asian Center Lincoln Police Department 2342 Andrews Avenue 233 South 10th Street Bronx, New York 10468 Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 718-295-8175 402-441-7245 Services available: Court translation, on-site Services available: Translation for police, interpretation for police, after school presentations on crime prevention and activities, recreation program, victim assistance.

64 Ethnic populations: Vietnamese, Cambodian, Services available: Business Watch, Amerasian, Ethiopian Neighborhood Watch, outreach meetings, crime prevention presentations, resource · center, translation.

Inter-cultural Mutual Assistance Association Ethnic populations: Vietnamese, Hispanic 16 SW 7th Avenue Rochester, Minnesota 55902 · 507-289-5960 St. Paul Police Department Services available: Education, counseling, A Community Outreach Program (ACOP) recreation, community service, mediation, 100 East 11th Street employment services. St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 612-488-9272 Ethnic populations: Laotian, Cambodian, H'mong, Vietnamese Services available: Crime prevention, counseling, after school activities, · tutoring, Southeast Asian Advisory Board, advocacy and referral, translated material, Cambodian Association of America victim services, 24-hour interpreter 2501 Atlantic Avenue services, block clubs, athletic clubs, gang Long Beach, California 90806 prevention activities, crisis intervention. 310-988-1863 Ethnic populations: Cambodian, H'mong, Services available: Storefront walk-in center, Russian, Romanian, Ethiopian, Latino, community outreach through home visits Laotian, Vietnamese, Afghan and workshops, on-site translation, community education, after-school · activities. Haltom City Police Department Ethnic populations: Latino, African-American, 4916 East Belknap Street Cambodian, Laotian, H'mong, Korean, Haltom City, Texas 76117 Vietnamese 817-834-3456

· Services available: crime prevention, 24-hour interpreter service, advocacy and referral, Westminster Police Department ESL classes, and gang prevention 8200 Westminster Boulevard activities. Westminster, California 92683 714-898-3315, ext. 591 Ethnic populations: Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian

65 State Refugee Coordinators State Refugee Coordinator Special Programs Division ALABAMA Department of Social Services 1049 Asylum Avenue State Refugee Coordinator Hartford, Connecticut 06105 Department of Human Resources 203-424-5878 South Gordon Persons Building 50 Ripley Street Montgomery, Alabama 36130 DELAWARE 205-242-1773 Refugee Coordinator Division of Economic Services ALASKA Department of Health and Social Services Alaska Refugee Outreach 1901 North DuPont Highway 2222 East Tudor Connecticut Building Anchorage, Alaska 99507 New Castle, Delaware 19720 907-561-0246 302-577-4453 ARIZONA DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Refugee Program Coordinator Refugee State Coordinator Department of Economic Security Office of Refugee Resettlement Community Services Department of Human Services Administration 645 H Street, NE, Room 4001 PO Box 6123 Washington, DC 20002 1789 West Jefferson, 3rd Floor 202-724-4820 Phoenix, Arizona 85005 602-542-6600 FLORIDA ARKANSAS Refugee Programs Administrator Department of Health and Division of Human Services Rehabilitative Services Donaghey Building, Slot 1225 1317 Winewood Boulevard PO Box 1437 Building E, Room 423 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700 501-682-8263 904-488-3791 CALIFORNIA GEORGIA Deputy Director State Refugee Coordinator Department of Social Services DFCS/DHR 1255 Imperial Avenue, Suite 751 Community Programs Unit San Diego, California 92101 2 Peachtree Street, NW 619-338-2799 12th Floor, #402 Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3180 COLORADO 404-657-3428 State Refugee Coordinator Department of Social Services HAWAII Refugee and Immigrant Services Office of Community Service Program 335 Merchant Street, Room 101 789 Sherman, Suite 250 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Denver, Colorado 80203 808-586-8675 303-863-8211

CONNECTICUT

66 IDAHO LOUISIANA State Refugee Coordinator State Refugee Coordinator Bureau of Family Self Support Office of Community Services Department of Health and Welfare Department of Social Services 450 West State Street, 2026 Saint Charles, 2nd Floor 7th Floor PO Box 83720 New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 Boise, Idaho 83720 504-568-8958 202-334-0980 MAINE ILLINOIS State Refugee Coordinator State Coordinator Division of Purchased Services Refugee Resettlement Program Department of Human Services 527 South Wells, Suite 500 221 State House Station 11 Chicago, Illinois 60607 Augusta, Maine 04333 312-793-7120 207-287-5060

INDIANA MARYLAND Refugee Co-Coordinators State Refugee Coordinator 402 West Washington Street Maryland Office for New Americans #W-363 Department of Human Resources Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 311 West Saratoga Street 317-232-4919 Room 222 Baltimore, Maryland 21201 IOWA 410-767-7021 Bureau of Refugee Programs 1200 University Avenue, Suite D MASSACHUSETTS Des Moines, Iowa 50314-2330 Office for Refugees and Immigrants 515-283-7904 China Trade Center Two Boylston Street KANSAS Third Floor Refugee Resettlement Coordinator Boston, Massachusetts 02116 Department of Social and 617-727-7888 Rehabilitation Services Smith-Wilson Sate Office Building MICHIGAN 300 SW Oakley Street Refugee Assistance Division Topeka, Kansas 66606 Department of Social Services 913-296-6977 Michigan Plaza 1200 Sixth Street, Suite 462 KENTUCKY Detroit, Michigan 48226 State Refugee Coordinator 313-256-1740 Department for Social Services Commonwealth of Kentucky MINNESOTA 275 East Main Street, 6-W State Refugee Coordinator Frankfort, Kentucky 40621 Department of Human Services 502-564-6750 Self-Sufficiency Program Division 444 Lafayette Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-3837 612-297-3210

67 MISSISSIPPI NEW JERSEY State Refugee Coordinator State Refugee Coordinator Placement Services Department of Human Services Department of Human Services Division of Youth and Families PO Box 352 Capital Center, 7th Floor Jackson, Mississippi 39205 50 East State Street, CN 717 601-359-4947 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0717 609-984-3154 MISSOURI Division of Family Services NEW MEXICO Refugee Assistance Program State Refugee Coordinator Broadway State Office Building Department of Human Services PO Box 88 ISD-CAS Jefferson City, Missouri 65103 PO Box 2348, Pollen Plaza 314-751-3823 2009 South Pacheco Street Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504 MONTANA 505-827-7248 State Refugee Coordinator Department of Social Work NEW YORK Rankin Hall State Refugee Coordinator University of Montana Department of Social Services Missoula, Montana 59812 40 North Pearl Street 406-243-2336 Albany, New York 12243-0001 518-432-2510 NEBRASKA Coordinator of Refugee Affairs NORTH CAROLINA Department of Social Services State Refugee Coordinator 5th Floor Family Services Section PO Box 95026 Department of Human Resources 301 Centennial Mall South 325 North Salisbury Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68509 Raleigh, North Carolina 27603 402-471-9200 919-733-4650

NEVADA NORTH DAKOTA State Refugee Coordinator State Refugee Coordinator Catholic Community Services Children and Family Services Division 1501 Las Vegas Boulevard North Department of Human Services Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 600 East Boulevard Avenue, 702-383-8387 Judicial Wing State Capitol, 3rd Floor NEW HAMPSHIRE Bismarck, North Dakota 58505 State Refugee Coordinator 701-224-4934 Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services 57 Regional Drive Concord, New Hampshire 03301 603-271-2611

68 OHIO SOUTH DAKOTA State Refugee Coordinator Refugee Resettlement Coordinator Department of Human Services Department of Social Services 65 East State Street Richard F. Kneip Building 5th Floor 7800 Governors Drive Columbus, Ohio 43215 Pierre, South Dakota 57501-2291 614-644-6140 605-773-3165

OKLAHOMA TENNESSEE Refugee Program Supervisor State Refugee Coordinator Department of Human Services Department of Human Services PO Box 25352 Community Services Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125 14th Floor 405-521-4091 400 Deaderick Street Nashville, Tennessee 37248 OREGON 615-741-5949 State Refugee Coordinator Department of Human Resources TEXAS 500 Summer Street, NE Executive Director 2nd Floor Texas Office of Immigration and Salem, Oregon 97310-1013 Refugee Affairs 503-945-6099 Department of Human Services 9101 Burnet Road, Suite 216 PENNSYLVANIA Austin, Texas 78758 State Refugee Resettlement 512-873-2400 Program Manager Department of Public Welfare UTAH PO Box 2675 State Refugee Coordinator 1401 North 7th Street Department of Human Services Bertolino Building, 2nd Floor 120 North 200 West, Room 325 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110 Salt Lake City, Utah 84145-0500 717-783-7535 801-538-4092

RHODE ISLAND VERMONT State Refugee Coordinator State Refugee Coordinator Department of Human Services Agency of Human Services 275 Westminster Mall, 5th Floor 103 South Main Street Providence, Rhode Island 02893 Waterbury, Vermont 05671-0204 401-277-2551 802-241-2223

SOUTH CAROLINA VIRGINIA State Refugee Coordinator for Refugee State Refugee Coordinator andLegalized Alien Services Department of Social Services Department of Social Services Office of Newcomer Services PO Box 1520 730 East Broad Street Columbia, South Carolina Richmond, Virginia 23219-1849 29202-1520 804-692-2218 803-737-5941

69 WASHINGTON State Refugee Coordinator Bureau of Refugee Assistance Department of Social and Health Services 1009 College Street PO Box 45420 Olympia, Washington 98504 206-438-8385

WEST VIRGINIA Refugee Coordinator Department of Human Services 1900 Washington Street,East Charleston, West Virginia 25305 304-558-8290

WISCONSIN State Refugee Coordinator Department of Health and Social Services PO Box 7935 131 West Wilson Street Room 802 Madison, Wisconsin 53707 608-266-0578

WYOMING State Refugee Coordinator Division of Youth Services Department of Family Services Hathaway Building, Room 352 Cheyenne, Wyoming 80002 307-777-6081