Policing the Barrios - As crime increases in the Hispanic community, Richmond Police find a way to reach out. - their outreach program has become a model for success - Virginia

The air smells like chlorine and cleaning product. Outside, it’s raining hard, and everyone’s hair and clothes are wet. Four folding tables dressed up with a red tablecloth offer Buffalo wings, chicken skewers and egg rolls. Most of the food’s untouched.

In Richmond’s Southwood community, about 70 Hispanics have gathered in this stuffy pool house to meet with city police about stemming crime in the neighborhood. Most of the residents who’ve come are interested in acquiring driver’s licenses, asking questions about police procedure and learning more about local laws.

Most of the Hispanics in the room are also illegal immigrants. “*

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