Build Trust = Less Crime: New Castle Police Not Asking About Immigration Status

CHAPPAQUA, NY — The New Castle Police Department wants all people, regardless of their immigration status, to feel comfortable talking to its officers. The town has therefore embarked on a community campaign. It includes flyers posted around town and business cards for police officers to carry.

They will not ask about someone's immigration status. They want witnesses and crime victims to know they are here to help you, town officials said. Their message is simple: Crime victims should feel comfortable reporting crimes. Witnesses should feel comfortable reporting crimes.

Besides distributing these flyers around town, this message will be printed on business cards for officers to carry with them, town officials said.

"We are not doing anything different,” Police Chief Charles Ferry said. “We are not going to engage in law enforcement activities solely based on somebody’s immigration status. We want people to speak up and not feel intimidated to talk to our officers."

"We’ve partnered with the New Castle Police Department on a number of public safety initiatives, such as our distracted driving campaign, but this one is different," Supervisor Rob Greenstein stated. "This initiative is about building trust. Building trust to keep our community safe. We are one community!"