Requires law enforcement agencies to report the immigration status of criminal offenders to the department of public safety
Impact
The bill's impact extends to how crime data is collected and reported within the state. With the Department of Public Safety designated as the central repository for crime data, law enforcement agencies will be required to adopt a uniform system compatible with the federal crime reporting standards. This standardized approach will likely enhance the quality and comparability of crime data across different jurisdictions, allowing for better analytics and reporting on crime trends involving various demographics, including immigrants.
Summary
House Bill 1147 seeks to amend existing legislation by requiring law enforcement agencies in Missouri to report the immigration status of criminal offenders to the Department of Public Safety. This change aims to create a centralized system for the collection, maintenance, and analysis of crime incident data that includes such information. By mandating this reporting, the bill intends to provide more comprehensive oversight concerning crime and immigrant populations, which its proponents argue will improve accountability and the handling of criminal cases involving non-citizens.
Contention
However, there is notable contention surrounding HB 1147. Critics argue that requiring the reporting of immigration status could lead to racial profiling and discourage individuals from reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement due to fear of deportation. This concern is particularly salient in immigrant communities, where fears about possible repercussions could result in underreporting of criminal activities. Thus, while the bill aims at increased accountability and crime data integrity, it raises concerns about civil liberties and the potential for discriminatory practices by law enforcement agencies.