This report presents the initial results of a nationwide survey of police executives. These issues reported on include the role of local politics, the relationship with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities, differences in local practices and policies, and community relations. The results indicate that local police play a critical role in the ways in which local communities relate to immigrants, particularly in their exercise of discretion with regard to immigration enforcement.

Scott H. Decker

Paul G. Lewis

Doris Marie Provine

Monica W. Varsanyi

(Arizona State University)

This report summarizes the results of a statewide survey of Arizona police chiefs and sheriffs. The issues we examine in this document include the role of local politics in shaping enforcement policy, the relationship departments maintain with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities; policing policy, practice, and decision-making in the field; and community relations in the context of immigration. The results indicate that local police play a crucial role in the ways in which local communities relate to and integrate immigrants.

Scott H. Decker

Paul G. Lewis

Doris Marie Provine

Monica W. Varsanyi

(Arizona State University)