When I ran for Council two years ago, I made public safety a top priority. My commitment to ensuring that Herndon has safe and secure neighborhoods continues.
In early 2007, this Council authorized a number of Herndon Police officers to participate in Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) program in early 2007.
In 2007, 287(g) enforcement by Herndon Police officers have resulted in contacts with 94 suspected illegal aliens with 37 BICE detainers being issued. In the first quarter of 2008, Herndon Police officers made contact with 32 suspected illegal aliens resulting in 9 BICE detainers being issued. These detainers have resulted in the removal of dangerous criminal illegal aliens from our community.
The success of the 287(g) program must be expanded upon. I am committed to seeing that more officers of the Herndon Police Department are enrolled in -- and complete 287(g) training.
Also, in response to widespread community concern, we caused the illegal alien hiring site at the old Herndon Police station to be closed last year.
I periodically do ride-alongs with Herndon Police officers while they patrol our streets and our neighborhoods. I find that doing this affords me the opportunity to discover and to better understand the problems and challenges our community experiences.
I pledge to do everything possible to continue to guarantee a safe community with secure neighborhoods.
