consider the role of community outreach coordinator and that of the other allied professionals you have read about in this module. Then, answer each of the following:
How do these roles support criminal justice professionals?
What do you see as the benefits to criminal justice professionals?
What types of skills do you think these professionals need in order to effectively do their jobs?
Review section II of Developing and Enhancing Relationships with Communities Through Outreach PDF from the U.S. Department of Justice if you would like to learn more about the role of a community outreach coordinator.
Specifically, the following rubric criteria must be addressed:
Describe how these roles support criminal justice professionals.
Describe the benefits to criminal justice professionals.
Describe the types of skills these professionals need in order to effectively do their jobs.
Full Answer Section
Courts
Role of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit:
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has played a significant role in shaping the legal landscape of sanctuary cities. In cases involving challenges to sanctuary city policies, the Fifth Circuit has often sided with states' rights to enforce immigration laws and has limited the ability of local jurisdictions to adopt policies that hinder federal immigration enforcement.
Constitutional Issues:
The issue of sanctuary cities raises several constitutional questions, including:
- Federalism: The balance of power between federal and state governments, particularly in the area of immigration enforcement.
- Due Process: The rights of individuals, including undocumented immigrants, to due process under the law.
- Separation of Powers: The role of the judiciary in interpreting and enforcing immigration laws.
Law Enforcement and Courts Working Together
Response to Shared Issues:
Law enforcement agencies and courts have responded to the challenges posed by sanctuary cities in various ways:
- Federal Enforcement: Federal immigration authorities, such as ICE, have increased enforcement efforts in jurisdictions with sanctuary policies, leading to increased detentions and deportations.
- Local Resistance: Some local jurisdictions have continued to adopt sanctuary policies, challenging federal authority and prioritizing local concerns.
- Judicial Review: Courts have played a crucial role in resolving disputes between federal, state, and local governments, often balancing federal immigration law with state and local interests.
Challenges for Police in Detaining Detainees:
One significant challenge for police in sanctuary cities is the potential liability for detaining individuals solely based on civil immigration violations. This can lead to tension between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities and may result in legal challenges.
Sample Answer
Sanctuary Cities: A Complex Legal Landscape
Law Enforcement
Functions Related to Sanctuary Cities:
- Enforcement of Immigration Laws: Law enforcement agencies, particularly at the federal level, are tasked with enforcing immigration laws, including identifying, detaining, and deporting undocumented immigrants.
- Local Law Enforcement Cooperation: Local law enforcement agencies in non-sanctuary jurisdictions may cooperate with federal immigration authorities by sharing information, detaining individuals, or participating in joint operations.
Impact of Senate Bill 4:
Senate Bill 4, a Texas law, aimed to limit local jurisdictions from adopting sanctuary policies. It required local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, including detaining undocumented immigrants. While the law has had some impact on police operations in Texas, its overall effect has been contested and subject to legal challenges.