Driving Laws, DUI and Crime on the Road

(March 7, 2008)— The City of Hartford Police Department has established clear and decisive
guidelines to enforce a policy already in place regarding the detention and arrest of undocumented
persons and/or illegal immigrants. Mayor Eddie A. Perez and Chief Daryl K. Roberts recognize and
value the diversity of the community and want to dispel any rumors as immigration issues make
headlines.

It is the policy of the HPD to cooperate with other law enforcement agencies but also to ensure the safety
and well being of all persons within its jurisdiction regardless of their immigration status. No person will
be arrested or detained by the Hartford Police unless they are suspected of engaging in criminal
activity. The Hartford Police will not arrest a person based solely on their immigration status
unless there is a criminal warrant issued by federal authorities for that individual.

According to the guidelines that go into effect tomorrow, Friday, March 7th, the Department’s policy is to
conform to federal laws and international treaties when detaining foreign nationals or undocumented
persons/suspected illegal immigrants. However, the HPD does not determine someone’s legal status.
The Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) has primary jurisdiction.

Federal authorities handle the civil cases, which make up the majority of immigration status questions.
However, if someone is suspected of breaking the law, the Hartford Police Department is sworn to serve
and protect and uphold the law. To be clear, a person’s immigration status, race, gender, religion,
sexual orientation, age, occupation, or other arbitrary aspects shall have no bearing on the officer’s
decision to arrest.

Chief Roberts says, “Our motto is ‘Service-Relationships-Safety’ and this department will uphold that. If
ICE or some other federal agency makes a specific request concerning suspected or actual criminal
activity, then the Hartford Police Department will provide available support services during these federal
operations. We will hold or detain persons suspected of criminal activity, upon request. However, the
HPD will not honor any request from ICE to hold or detain a person where a civil or administrative
warrant is involved.”

Mayor Perez says, “The brave men and women of our Police Department work diligently everyday to
build upon community relationships. I want to thank the Chief and his command staff for ensuring the
safety of our neighborhoods and respecting diversity. Laws should be upheld and people should not be
living in the shadow of fear.”

Contact: Sarah Barr, Director of Communications, City of Hartford, 860-522-4888, extension 6217 or
Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department, 860-757-4021
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