The following is a release from the Kirkland Police Department:

On Nov. 18, the Seattle Times published a statement from the Bellevue Police Chief saying that Bellevue officers won’t ask residents for immigration status and won’t use police resources to apprehend undocumented immigrants unless they are suspected of a serious crime. Since then, many Kirkland residents have asked about the policy of the Kirkland Police regarding immigration status.

“Kirkland has had a long standing policy never to ask for immigration papers,” said Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris. “We want people to know that our job is to protect and serve the entire community and no resident should fear reporting any crime or intimidation, regardless of their immigration status. Our mission has not changed and will not change. We want everyone to feel safe and if they don’t, we want to know about it.”