Agenda - 01-21-2010 - 3b - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: January 21, 2010 Action Agendab Item No. SUBJECT: Recommendations from the Human Relations Commission Concerning the "Secure Communities" Program in Orange County DEPARTMENT: Human Rights & Relations PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No ATTACHMENT(S): HRC Recommendations Regarding the "Secure Communities" Program Immigration Policy Center's November 2009 Report on Secure Communities INFORMATION CONTACT: Shoshannah Sayers, Director, 960 -3877 Joe Nanney, HRC Chair, 960 -8014 PURPOSE: To provide a report from the Human Relations Commission (HRC), based on a request from the BOCC, on the Department of Homeland Security's "Secure Communities" program and provide concrete suggestions to make program implementation as transparent and socially just as possible. BACKGROUND: In response to the BOCC's request for information regarding the long -term ramifications of this program, the Human Relations Commission did extensive research, including data collection, in- person interviews, and email correspondence with Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass. The Sheriff has expressed his willingness to comply with the associated data requests and has already provided the requested data through December 2009. Sheriff Pendergrass has also reviewed all of the recommendations and has declined comment on the recommendations beyond the data requests. The HRC submits the attached report detailing the following recommendations: 1. Create transparency in collection and dissemination of data relating to Secure Communities; 2. Institute grievance procedures similar to those contained in 287(g) agreements in order to give people affected by Secure Communities the same standard, codified due process rights as those affected by 287(g); 3. Ensure that all law enforcement agencies within Orange County are providing high - quality sensitivity and racial profiling education and training; and 4. Suggest that all Orange County law enforcement agencies adopt a policy of citation instead of arrest for minor traffic violations and other minor offenses. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving the report. Any other financial impacts are unknown at this time. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board receive the HRC's "Secure Communities" report and recommendations.