Arnold Fitt

Date of Award

Spring 3-17-2006

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

This study investigated how county jails could maximize their share of funds available through the State Criminal Alien Asst stance Program (SCAAP) for the cost of housing criminal aliens through better identification methods. A written questionnaire was developed to gather responses from all 55 California County Sheriffs to assess what methods county jails utilize to accurately identify criminal aliens as a requirement for federal reimbursement. In 2003, the State Criminal Alien assistance program was assessed by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, INS (now ICE) was only able to identify, on average, about 30% of the submitted aliens as verified, with another 50% in the unknown category and the remaining 20% as definitely ineligible. (United States Department of Justice [DOJ], 2003). State and local jurisdictions are only reimbursed for those criminal aliens whose eligibility cannot be confirmed through a match with ICE records.

Survey results indicated that county jails and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could accurately identify more criminal aliens through establishing a collaborative working relationship with ICE, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving additional assistance from SCAAP. County jails and ICE would benefit by establishing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements to improve communications and provide assistance to county jail staff with the process of identifying criminal aliens. A national database that cross references alias names and fingerprint information should be developed so that all local, state and federal immigration data can be shared. Lastly, the findings call for a re-authorization of SCAAP with increased funding levels.

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