Editor,
I am deeply disturbed by the recent passage of legislation in Arizona that requires local law enforcement officers to investigate the immigration status of persons without documentation. Codifying intolerance and discrimination is just wrong.
As a law enforcement officer serving the UNM community for a good portion of my career, I have worked hard to overcome prejudices and stereotypes on the part of police and communities. Personal security is an individual and personal right and the most basic of services our government can provide. But, when prejudice becomes policy, we create a barrier to safety, not just for those who may be undocumented, but for the entire community.
As a lieutenant with the UNM Police Department, I worked with students and community groups to identify and track down a local man accused of attacking Indian students because of their heritage. When a student removed a Mexican flag from a UNM flagpole, I worked to protect the rights of those on both sides who organized demonstrations for and against that act. Law enforcement should be neutral in these battles, and the only way to do so is by mandating equal treatment, not discrimination, in our laws.
Thanks to the experiences and support I received from the UNM community, I chose to run for sheriff in Bernalillo County.
As sheriff, I will put people before politics. Using law enforcement to create a class of people who are less equal than others is wrong on so many levels. The supporters of these policies know the true consequences: Hispanics in Arizona, documented or not, are now subject to unreasonable detention when they fail to possess papers. No one should be required to carry paperwork to demand dignity and respect.
When people need help, they should not be afraid to call 911 because the responding officer may arrest them before going after the true criminal. Witnesses to crimes should never be discouraged from entering the courthouse because they are afraid they will never be permitted to exit.
Public safety is a public problem. Solutions involve everyone in our community, regardless of their social, economic or cultural status. When we create a class of people who are afraid to work with law enforcement in the established way, those people are subject to exploitation by gangs and violence.
As sheriff, I will reverse our department’s policy allowing the investigation of the immigration status of persons not charged with a serious crime. And, as sheriff, I will fight against any and all attempts to marry law enforcement with discrimination.
A simple slogan has been reused by numerous campaigns in the past few years:
Respect. Empower. Include.
This simple statement is more than a slogan. It should be the mission of those of us in public service. As sheriff, I will make it the mission of our department.
Pat Davis
Former UNM Police lieutenant
Candidate for Bernalillo County sheriff
