Local News

Irving Police Educating Hispanic Drivers

IrvingWeekly Staff

| Published

January 21, 2011

As part of its "Juntos con Irving" program (Together with Irving), the Irving Police Department released a second Spanish language public service video. The video explains the department’s policy that officers follow when they encounter drivers that do not have a Texas Drivers License.

According to the video, it is a priority of a police officer to establish a person's identity during a traffic stop. "It is the officer's responsibility to ensure his own safety as well as the stopped driver's safety."The first video, released in 2009, described the processes officers use when making a traffic stop and gave motorists an idea of what questions and information the officer might ask.

The first video was awarded first place in the Special Audience category presented by the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.

Hispanic activists have given some praise to the department's effort to establish open communication with the city's Hispanic population, but have also stated that the video is a bit unrealistic. Activists point to the city's reputation in deporting undocumented driver's that have been stopped for minor infractions.

According to Irving Police, it is not their job to establish migratory status, but to enforce traffic laws.

Both videos are available on YouTube at the links listed below:

"Juntos con Irving" is the department’s Spanish language community outreach program that seeks to promote dialogue with the community through educational opportunities and quarterly community meetings.