Special Order 40: Complete Coverage

BACKGROUND: Instituted in 1979 by then-Chief Daryl F. Gates, Special Order 40 states that Los Angeles Police Department “officers shall not initiate police action with the objective of discovering the alien status of a person.” The order was meant to send a message to immigrants who had been victimized or had witnessed crimes that they could cooperate with police without fear of deportation. The rule has long been controversial and confusing, with many people — including some LAPD officers — believing it prohibits police from ever inquiring about the immigration status of suspects. Immigration rights groups hail Special Order 40 as an example of progressive policing, but the rule has come under attack from others, including anti-illegal immigration activists, who have sued to kill the order.

WHAT'S NEXT: There are several proposals to change or clarify Special Order 40. Police Chief William J. Bratton -- a stronger supporter of Special Order 40 -- said he will issue his own clarification in the coming weeks.