Among many findings were that Latinos:
- often carried around too much cash since they did not trust or know how to use banks and were especially vulnerable on weekends.
- felt unsafe in their neighborhoods and homes, particularly in urban areas.
- tended to live in substandard housing easy to break into in poorer areas.
- were victims of fraud by being overcharged for services and housing, not paid for work completed, sold faulty automobiles and other equipment and cheated over various immigration concerns.
- often did not report crimes because of their inability to speak English and fears of police and immigration officials.
- were largely unfamiliar with state traffic laws.
Were under-served by state law enforcement agencies, which have trouble finding and employing bilingual officers.

Recommendations in the UNC report encourage police to avoid stereotyping Hispanics, increase their visibility in Hispanic neighborhoods, teach crime prevention skills, reassure them that they need not fear police and be patient with the language barrier.

Its a misconception that all these people are illegal aliens, Rohe said. Many of them are Americans, many others are here legally and, even if they are undocumented workers, we should still try to protect them like we protect other people.

Arcury said the materials are available through the N.C. Governors Crime Commission Web site at www.gcc.state.nc.usCrime_Preventionspanish_language.htm or by calling him at 336-716-9438 or Elmore at 919-962-3512.

'"/>

Contact: David Williamson
david_williamson@unc.edu
919-962-8596
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
21-Feb-2002