1. Human Relations in a Diverse Society
Unit 6

2. Unit #6 Read Chapter 7 in Multicultural Law Enforcement
Hispanic/Latino Americans
Attend the Seminar
Discussion Board
Myths and stereotypes

3. Question
Do you have a significant population of Hispanic or Latino Americans in your community; if so, what country are they from primarily?

4. Communities Urban, suburban, rural Established, employment
You will find significant populations of Hispanic/Latino Americans in different areas of the country; mostly urban, but in some suburban and rural areas.
Some communities are well-established, such as in New York or the Southwest. Others have grown due to employment opportunities and the lack of a significant workforce. In Kansas, for instance, pockets exist are meat processing and farming areas.
Each community is a bit different; I enjoy hearing about individual areas.
When one first mentions Hispanics and Latinos, we often automatically think of Mexican Americans. However, the book points out that many of these individuals are from countries such as Cuba and Puerto Rico. Or they could be from any of the number of countries in Central and South America, or the Caribbean islands. We’ll explore that next.

5. Over 25 Ethnic and Cultural Groups
From Central/South America and the Caribbean
Fastest growing cultural group in U.S.
50+ percent increase from 1990 to 2000
22.4 million to 32.8 million for population
We’ve discussed some significant cultural groups so far in CJ246, but now we’ll explore the fastest growing group in America. Latino/Hispanic Americans are a large and growing group, increasing by 50+ % in the decade from

6. Hispanic – a Generic Term
Spanish surname and Spanish people who
reside in U.S. and Puerto Rico
Latino is preferred label on West Coast,
East Coast and Southeast
Hispanic is preferred on the East Coast by
Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Cubans
PowerPoint Slides for Multicultural Law Enforcement: Strategies for Peacekeeping in a Diverse Society (5th Edition), Chapter 7, by: Herbert Z. Wong.
PEARSON PRENTICE HALL
2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
Let’s again take a look at terms. Hispanic generally means people of Spanish descent who reside in the United States and Puerto Rico. Alternatively, the term “Latino” I generally favored on both coasts and in the Southeast. Hispanic is preferred more on the East Coast and among Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Cubans. Confused?
Again, I refer back to simply asking what is preferred, if a label is needed at all.
What have the feds said? They have officially determined that the terms can be used interchangeably.

7. Question
What are some ways that the population of Hispanic/Latino Americans has expanded over time?

8. Historical Background
U.S. expansionist policy under Manifest
Destiny included indigenous people
Boundaries between the U.S. and Mexico
are seen as artificial
Migration of people occurred as a result of the Mexican Revolution (after 1910)
PowerPoint Slides for Multicultural Law Enforcement: Strategies for Peacekeeping in a Diverse Society (5th Edition), Chapter 7, by: Herbert Z. Wong.
PEARSON PRENTICE HALL
2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
In looking at the history of Hispanic/Latino Americans, we have to explore how our country grew to what it is in the 19th Century. At the time, borders were not clearly defined as they are today. Much of the Southwest was claimed under Manifest Destiny, or the belief in the right of the United States to expand westward. As many of us might have guessed, this led to conflict with Mexico over territorial rights. Eventually the U.S. annexed lands occupied by Mexican people; individuals who occupied the land long before European settlers. Fully 1/3rd of Mexican Americans can trace their family’s establishment in the U.S. back to the 1800’s.
Often the cause of immigration into the United States occurs due to issues with the economy or politics. Both were at play in the early 20th Century, when a large exodus from Mexico occurred due to the Mexican Revolution and its harmful impacts upon that country.

9. Historical Background
Puerto Rican migrated to the U.S. after WWII
Cuban immigrated to the U.S. in three waves
Other immigrants are from 21 other countries of South and Central American, and the Caribbean
PowerPoint Slides for Multicultural Law Enforcement: Strategies for Peacekeeping in a Diverse Society (5th Edition), Chapter 7, by: Herbert Z. Wong.
PEARSON PRENTICE HALL
2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
When we consider other countries, such as Puerto Rico and Cuba, they are a bit different. Both were annexed into America after the Spanish American War (they were formerly Spanish colonies). Puerto Rico remains a part of the United States, while Cuba was given its freedom and has gone through leadership changes since.
Cubans have migrated under different waves, some through political asylum (risking their lives in order to make it to the United States).
Countless others have immigrated from Latin American countries with varied stories of how they arrived here.

10. Key Factors for Population Growth
Primarily to higher birthrates
Secondary factors include:
 Immigration from Mexico, Caribbean,
and Central and South America
 Greater longevity
 Addition of more
subgroups
Why has the population of Hispanics and Latinos grown so much in recent years? Many are surprised to find out that it is due to birthrates, and not immigration as some would suspect. Immigration from Latin American countries is secondary.
Another reason for the population expansion is longer life expectancies within this culture.

11. Demographics U.S. population is 41.3 million—14 percent
Largest population is in California, Texas,
New York, Florida, and Illinois
Median age is 26 compared to 35
Household size is 3.5 compared to 2.6
Higher birthrate of per 1,000
compared to 65.4
Purchasing power is $653 billion in 2003
88 percent reside in metropolitan areas
Self-identification is most strongly shown in
the use and knowledge of Spanish
Hispanics and Latinos comprise 14 percent of the population of the United States.
Regionally, you’ll find them most prevalent in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. Most live within urban, metropolitan areas.
The median age for Hispanic/Latino Americans is lower than other cultures; it is considered a young populace.
Birthrates are higher and families are larger; almost by one person higher than the average!
They are considered a significant economic force, spending over one half of a billion dollars in 2003.
Many are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. Some Latin American countries hold different languages, such as Portuguese, as the national language, however.

12. Question
What are some myths regarding individuals who are members of Hispanic / Latino cultures?

13. Myths and Stereotypes of Latino/Hispanic Americans
1. Illegal aliens 2. Lazy and as poor workers 3. Uneducated and disinterested in educational pursuits 4. Young males as gang members and drug dealers 5. All speak Spanish
Common myths and stereotypes about Hispanics and Latinos are that most are illegal aliens. This I not the case; the vast majority are either citizens or are here under legal terms. Like many cultural myths that we’ll discuss throughout this course, these myths are perpetuated by the media in many case.
A huge myth that I’ve heard is that people of this culture are lazy or poor workers. On the contrary, I believe the stereotype should be the exact opposite. Like all races and ethnicities, individuals are individuals and there are always exceptions to the rule.
A huge media-influenced stereotype is in reference to the thought that Hispanics and Latinos are gang member and drug dealers. Again; while there certainly may be some, the vast majority are law abiding citizens who want to see this type of behavior eradicated as much as anyone.
Finally, not everyone with a Hispanic surname speaks Spanish; particularly if they’ve lived in the United States their entire lives!

14. Latino/Hispanic American Family
Bonds of interdependence, unity, and loyalty
Nuclear and extended family
Relationship and communication is hierarchical
To Latino/Hispanic Americans, family is everything. You may have heard the term “la familia,” which means much more than “the family” in this culture. Bonds are strong, and loyalty is above all else. This includes much more than mothers, fathers, and children. It includes the extended family, such as grandfathers, cousins, nieces and nephews, and the like. In many cases, it includes bonds with the neighborhood.
Respect is also key in the Latino/Hispanic American family; parents and elders are highly respected.
This is something that law enforcement officers can key into in their interactions with this culture. It may be advisable in some situations to work through the parents when their children have some sort of issue to work through.

15. Traditional Roles of the Man and the Woman
Father - head of the household
– “Machismo”
Women - marianismo
– Spiritually superior
– Homemaker and caretaker
of children
Again we are speaking in generalities, but in a typical Hispanic/Latino family, the father is a strong head of household in different matters (from budgets to discipline an in other areas). This is also reflected in the principle of machismo, which holds this head of household position high.
On the other hand, women often will assume roles as homemakers and also the spiritual center of the home. Much of this is based upon strong religions beliefs founded in Catholicism, and the role of the Virgin Mary. Women may be expected to sacrifice for their husbands and the children.
As time progresses, we see some of these roles changing. One thing that we see more and more of is a strengthening of the roles of women in Hispanic and Latino families, and an equalization of the head of household role.

16. Children, Adolescents, and Youth
Children are taught respecto
– Respect authority figures
Children serve as intermediaries and
translators
Recall our discussion of respecto, which children are taught from an early age. They are taught to respect elders and authority figures, which can prove beneficial for the police. Again, it may be helpful to include parents in law enforcement contacts with Latino/Hispanic American children.
Like the Asian culture we previously dicussed, it is not uncommon to find Hispanic/Latino children who speak English better than their parents, so they may serve as translators in contacts. Caution needs to be used in such cases, of course, as a filter may be applied.

17. Question
During contacts with the police, individuals who are of Latino / Hispanic descent who are bilingual (English and Spanish) may speak in Spanish. What are some reasons why they may do this?

18. Verbal and Nonverbal Styles of Latino/Hispanic Americans
 Family and group orientation affects interpersonal communication
Speaking Spanish
Extra time may be needed
 Respect vs. trust
Let’s examine some communication styles that are common with this culture. Because of the strong family bonds we discussed, it is not uncommon for major decisions (some of which may be related to a criminal justice issue) to be made within this family environment. This may reveal itself in situations where a person in this culture appears to be checking with a family member before answering a question; it is not a matter of trying to hide something, but an act that is routine to them.
Because officers are frequently lied to in their contacts with people (not just minorities), they often develop a cynical attitude toward citizens. This attitude is not necessarily appropriate, but it develops nonetheless as a by-product of the environment they face. Police officers must guard against this tendency.
Most police officers nationwide have experienced situations where they have encountered someone who does not speak English, but instead Spanish. Some officers wrongly assume that this is an insult, or that the person is trying to hide something. The truth is that when you speak another language as your first language, when a stressful event occurs, you will often revert back to your natural language.
It may be necessary to take a little extra time (if possible) to work with such individuals; you don’t need to speak louder!
We already discussed the fact that a respect for authority is taught from a young age, but this doesn’t equate to trust. For immigrants in particular, recall that the police in their countries may be terribly corrupt, so it is important to take time to develop trust. It is best to try to establish relationships with the community before an incident happens, of course.

19. Question
What are some reasons why Hispanic and Latino persons are victimized by crime more than other cultures?

20. Underreporting of Crimes
Past experiences from the home country
Repressive police and death squads
Lack of knowledge of legal system
We’ve heard similar issues about other cultures, but there is a tendency in Latino/Hispanic American cultures to underreport crimes. This is due to the fact that in their original countries, they may have had contact with a police agency that was unresponsive to their issues, or worse, brutal against its citizens or corrupt.
In some Latin American countries at different times in history, the police department served as the enforcement arm for a corrupt government, killing enemies of the state or imprisoning innocents.
Unfortunately, suspects may know of this tendency toward underreporting and may target Hispanic/Latino Americans as their victim.
It may take outreach to overcome the lack of knowledge some in this culture may have about our legal system and how it works. Basically, law enforcement agencies must work a bit harder to serve this population.

21. Crime Victimization Rates
Victims of overall violence and simple assaults at rates lower than were non-Hispanics
Underreporting
Equal percentages robbed or were victims of aggravated assault
PowerPoint Slides for Multicultural Law Enforcement: Strategies for Peacekeeping in a Diverse Society (5th Edition), Chapter 7, by: Herbert Z. Wong.
PEARSON PRENTICE HALL
2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
As we’ve established that the majority of the members of this culture live within urban areas, with typically higher crime rates, one would figure that they might be victimized at a higher rate than other cultures. However, Latino/Hispanic Americans were victims of overall violence and simple assaults at rates lower than were non-Hispanics in Why is this so? Again, such crimes may be underreported by Latino/ Hispanic Americans. Reportedly, about equal percentages of Latino/Hispanic Americans were robbed or were victims of aggravated assault, but one wonders if this is actually true due to the underreporting problems we’ve explored earlier.

22. Racial Profiling of Latino/Hispanic Americans
Hills and Trapp Study of 2000 in San Diego
People of color are no more likely to carry drugs or contraband in vehicles than whites
40 percent stopped and 60 percent searched
In prior units we have looked at the issue of racial profiling. Let’s look at it with regard to Latino/Hispanic Americans.
Every community is different, but an interesting study was conducted in San Diego in the year It found that people of color, including Hispanic/Latinos, were no more likely than anyone else to have drugs or contraband on their person or in their vehicles. However, 40% of the people who were stopped and 60% of the population that was searched were Latino/Hispanic Americans or African Americans, while they were only 28% of the population.
This is an example of a case that needs a closer look. Do the area agencies need additional training? Is data collection necessary? Is it a police cultural issue? It is important to note that racial profiling is an issue for members of this culture.

23. Law Enforcement Issues and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Law enforcement agencies differ in their work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Specific policies
Community trust
PowerPoint Slides for Multicultural Law Enforcement: Strategies for Peacekeeping in a Diverse Society (5th Edition), Chapter 7, by: Herbert Z. Wong.
PEARSON PRENTICE HALL
2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
It seems that there is a lack of consistency where local or state law enforcement’s relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement is concerned. Each agency develops its own policy about how to deal with undocumented immigrants, sometimes in coordination with Customs but many times not. This is a political issue that continues to develop in our current era, and will likely continue into the future.
One important issue with this topic is that local law enforcement has closer contact with cultures such a this one than federal agencies do. They deal with citizens on a daily bases; federal agencies usually do not.
Every community is a little different in this regard. We’ll see where this heads down the road.

24. Question
What are some ways the police can overcome barriers that frequently exists between Hispanic and Latino peoples and law enforcement?

25. Increasing Police Services
Police storefront offices
More bilingual police officers
More active recruiting efforts
Spanish training for officers and community policing
Finally, a few more issues with regard to law enforcement and the Hispanic/Latino American community. Like other cultures, they accept and appreciate community policing efforts, or officer in their community.
Another key that we’ve discussed previously is the need to hire members of the culture to help ease relations and make the organization more representative of the community. Many agencies suffer from a lack of bilingual officers; if you have this ability you may be in high demand!
In response to this, there are some courses that deal with emergency communications between officers and Spanish speakers, concentrating only upon phrases needed during urgent situations.

26. Unit #7 Read Chapter 8 in Multicultural Law Enforcement
Arab Americans
Attend the weekly seminar
Respond to the Discussion Board
Arab discrimination by airlines post 9/11

27. Unit #7 Complete and Submit the Unit 7 Project (2 -3 pages)
Analyze cultural understanding and tolerance within communities and law enforcement agencies.
Discuss three (3) benefits that Community Based Policing has in building tolerance and cultural understanding between law enforcement agencies and communities.
Use your textbook or other outside resources to help you identify these benefits of Community Based Policing.

28. Questions?
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