Police see drop in crime reporting by Hispanics
May 13, 2017 at 1:04AM
Police departments across the U.S. have reported a decrease in crime reporting in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods, which some local law enforcement officials believe could be related to the nation's impassioned immigration debate.
Law enforcement officials say the debate might be affecting their relationships with minority communities, and they are especially concerned that immigrants in the country illegally are becoming more hesitant to engage with police and report crimes because they fear deportation.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said new data show a decrease in reporting of violent crime and rape and sexual assault by Hispanics in Houston during the first three months of 2017 compared to the first three months of 2016, while reporting in those categories by non-Hispanics increased.
Police say the problem is twofold: Not only might immigrants not report violent crimes against them, but they might also be less willing to report crimes they witness.
"Whatever the cause is, it is not good for the safety of all people within this city and within this region," Acevedo said.
Washington Post
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