On Friday, December 18, faith leaders from Dolores Mission Catholic Church, a member of PICO affiliate L.A. Voice in Los Angeles, packed the church plaza with over 200 Angelenos to welcome newly appointed police Chief Charlie Beck and his special Latino community liaison.

Joined by leaders from other L.A. Voice congregations in Boyle Heights, parishioners gave testimony about the importance of a feeling of trust between police and community members - especially immigrants - and asked Beck to announce his continued support for the LAPD's Special Order 40.

Special Order 40 says that LAPD officers do not initiate contact with anyone solely to learn his or her immigration status. Dolores Mission pastor Fr. Scott Santarosa also asked Chief Beck whether immigrants can safely report crimes without risking deportation. His answer, to buoyant cheers: "Si."

L.A. City Council Member Jose Huizar and president of the County Federation of Labor Maria Elena Durazo also spoke strongly in favor of the continuation of the policy and what it means for immigrants and all residents.

LA Voice leaders and clergy believe that safety is, in part, a product of relationship between community members and police. This public reaffirmation of special order 40 by Chief Beck is a step toward the Boyle Heights and greater Los Angeles that all families dream of where youth and adults live lives free from violence.

For more information on L.A. Voice, visit www.lavoicepico.org