Phoenix Police Chief Opposes Immigration Law

PHOENIX - Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris is speaking out against the immigration law, saying it will force officers to focus on the wrong type of crimes. But other officers who work under him support it.

The chief understands people are frustrated with illegal immigration, but he's sharply critical of the new law, which he says will only get in the way of cracking down on crime.

"It takes officers away from doing what our main core mission is, and that is to make our community safe," he says, "And instead tells us to become immigration officers and enforce routine immigration laws that I do not think we have the authority to even enforce."

PLEA is the union that represents Phoenix Police officers and they take a different approach.

"You will see a clear difference between those who drive a desk and those who drive a police car," says Mark Spencer from the Phoenix Law Enforcement Assocation (PLEA). "Jack Harris, he probably speaks for the mayor, he certainly isn't speaking for rank and file officers."

The chief says enforcing the law will only bring trouble and lawsuits.

"The problem with this legislation is it puts my officers in a very difficult position with litigation -- if they enforce the law or if they do not enforce the law," says Harris.

Even so, the chief says the law is the law, and he'll enforce it the best he can. The Phoenix Police Department is working on a training course to teach officers how to enforce the new law without engaging in racial profiling.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu have come out supporting the law. Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik calls it 'abominable' and 'a national embarrassment.'