Latinos Meet With Lanier

From time to time the Latino community has met with Chief of Police, Cathy Lanier, to discuss the safety and security concerns of our community. These meetings almost always cover the problems with Secure Communities, a Homeland Security program that forces police to collaborate with immigration enforcement officials and, in our view, contributes to the profiling of Latino residents and arbitrary arrests. There is also usually discussion of domestic violence issues and the difficulty in establishing relationships between police officers and community members, the inherent distrust many Latinos feel toward the police.

Once again on Saturday, July 14, 2012, 1:30 pm at Vida Senior Center, 1842 Calvert St. N.W. a group of Latinos will meet with Chief Lanier to discuss the relationship of Latinos with MPD and the policies and activities of the Metropolitan Police Department vis a vis their Latino constituents. This event is sponsored by Metrodiversity Foundation together with the DC Office on Latino Affairs, DC Latino Caucus, Councilman Jim Graham and the New Latino Movement, Capital Area Chapter.

Community policing has been a hallmark of Chief Lanier during her tenure at the head of MPD and great strides have been made in the last few years. The Latino Liaison Unit was recreated and Spanish language officers and bi-lingual policies have been strengthened. Nevertheless, these dialogues are important to maintain the ties created with the force, continue the necessary improvements in the relationship and to carry out humane, balanced and enlightened enforcement policies and procedures. We’re proud of the history we’ve created with the District’s police force and encourage residents of the District to join us this coming Saturday to provide a thorough review of the relationship of our community with its police force.

Vida Senior Center has space for approximately 30 individuals, so if you are interested in attending please let us know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone us at 202-203-0120. It is our view that staying interested and involved in these issues is everyone’s civic duty and we encourage all to take part.