The Examiner reports that Prince William County Police Chief took actions which seem to confirm that the Board of Supervisors did indeed weaken the so-called Rule of Law Resolution:
WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Police Chief Charlie Deane on Wednesday revoked portions of Prince William County’s policy that directed officers to check the legal status of all suspected illegal immigrants stopped for minor crimes or traffic violations before an arrest.
The chief’s move followed a unanimous board vote late Tuesday night to direct officers to initiate immigration status checks only after arrests to eliminate the need for in-car police cameras to save money and guard against lawsuits.
“There is no longer the requirement that they do that inquiry prior to the physical arrest of someone,” Deane said, adding that officers will be provided guidelines later this week on how to implement the changes.
All suspects arrested on suspicion of a crime will be checked for legal status regardless of whether the officer has reason to believe the suspect is in the country illegally.
The change will mean hundreds more people each month will face status checks after committing crimes, but that dozens fewer suspects will be referred to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement for driving too fast or for being too loud.
Sounds like weakening to me.
