Michael Williams has an excellent post arguing that the LAPD should revoke Special Order 40, a longstanding policy that prevents patrol officers from taking any action against people they suspect (or know) are in the country illegally.

I understand the point of Special Order 40. Law enforcement does not want otherwise law-abiding illegal immigrants who become victims of crime to fear calling the police because of concerns about being reported to immigration enforcement officials. And in the past, some corrupt LAPD officers have abused innocent immigrants with threats of deportation. In my job, I deal often with victims of crime whom I suspect (or know) are illegal. The last thing I want is for them to think that I am going to call immigration authorities on them.

But, in light of recent evidence that Al Qaeda is recruiting local gangs composed largely of illegals, it is insanity to tell local law enforcement officers that they cannot take action against people they know to be violent gang members, because of concerns that officers might abuse that power at the margins.

I think it’s time to revise Special Order 40, in a way that warns officers that any abuses will be met with swift punishment — but that also unties their hands to deal more effectively with the violent criminals among us who happen to be in the country illegally.