Title
Resolution calling upon the Chief of Police to establish an Office of Multicultural Affairs to welcome and build trust with Pittsburgh's growing immigrant and refugee population.
Body
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh's growing and thriving immigrant and refugee populations enhance the city's social and cultural fabric and boost the city's economic growth and overall prosperity; and,
WHEREAS, in keeping with its mission of "accountability, integrity, respect, and compassion," the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police should seek to build trust, promote cultural understanding, and develop relationships with the city's immigrant and refugee communities; and,
WHEREAS, to centralize and reinforce these efforts, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police or Department of Public Safety should establish an Office of Multicultural Affairs; and,
WHEREAS, the Office of Multicultural Affairs shall build relationships with nonprofit organizations, community-based groups, faith-based institutions, and other groups to better serve and protect Pittsburgh's immigrant and refugee population; and,
WHEREAS, the Office shall coach police officers on the best practices of fair policing when administering justice to immigrants and refugees and educate the broader community on the importance of welcoming new neighbors and treating them with respect and dignity; and,
WHEREAS, the Office shall review and strengthen the existing Unbiased Policing Policy (order # 11-3), which outlines the Bureau's commitment to the fair and equitable treatment of the public without regard to individual's race, ethnic background, culture, religion, or ability to speak English and promulgates the Bureau's ongoing position on immigration detention and cooperation with federal agents; and,
WHEREAS, the Office shall also work with the Bureaus of Fire, Emergency Medical Services, and Animal Care and Control to improve service delivery when protecting and serving immigrants and refugees and forge new relationships with Pittsbu...
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