DPS NEWS

SBI Refugee Outreach Program Highlights for 2017

In November 2015, in response to heightened security concerns surrounding terrorism worldwide, Governor Herbert directed the Utah Department of Public Safety to conduct a review of the federal screening process for refugees and security procedures related to refugee resettlement in Utah. This process led to a partnership between Refugee Services Office (RSO) and Public Safety, with a Public Safety officer assigned as a refugee liaison to work with local law enforcement, resettlement agencies and other organizations as a resource for and to build relationships with Utah’s refugee community. This is a unique partnership in Utah and nationally.

Between February 2017 and November 2017, the efforts of Public Safety have resulted in:

• 500+ newly resettled refugee contacts
• 34 U.S. law orientation classes at Catholic Community Services and International Rescue Committee
• 3 youth dialogue presentations
• 9 community civic dialogues
• 2,000+ refugee contacts at community events
• 4 local law enforcement coordination meetings
• 7 cases opened or referred to local law enforcement of potential refugee victimization
• 4 classes for refugee community leaders on the criminal justice system, rights/freedoms, and improving relations between law enforcement
• 500+ Public Safety and Highway Patrol officers trained in refugee awareness and outreach
• Training program development for refugee leaders and police, in partnership with RSO and refugee community leaders
• Development of training videos for law enforcement, in partnership with RSO