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November 13, 2002
News Specialist Sam Penrod reporting
Leaders
in Utah's Hispanic community met today with law enforcers
in an effort to build better understanding.
Both sides hope the meetings will help end confusion and distrust
between police and Latinos.
Utah's
Hispanic community is growing faster than any other minority
group in the state.
Today's meeting is trying to bridge the gap between different
cultures.
Law enforcement officials, including chiefs of police and
Hispanic leaders, are discussing the different perceptions
Hispanic residents and law enforcement officers have about
each other.
There is also a lot of concern that many Hispanic people whose
immigration status is questionable are afraid to contact police
when they are victimized.
Both sides believe education about cultural differences involving
Utah law is key.
"Once they realize they violate a law it can become very
stressful for them because they think they are in real trouble
and we want to walk them through the process and explain to
them our system, so it becomes easier for them," says
Yvette Donosso-Diaz with the Governor's Hispanic Advisory
Council.
"I
believe the more we talk about this and the more we clarify
it, both with law enforcement agencies and our community,
that things will run smoother and that's the way it should
be," says Martin Torres with the Consul of Mexico.
Public service announcements will be appearing soon on Hispanic
radio and television stations to educate individuals about
the laws and different customs with police in Utah.
The Department of Public Safety plans to announce new programs
to benefit Utah's Hispanic community during a public meeting
tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Mexican Civic center, located
at 155 South, 600 West in Salt Lake.
It's the first step in what officials say will help police
and Hispanics have a better understanding about each other.
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