[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 20, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11432-11433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-6679]
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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Immigration and Naturalization Service
[INS No. 1749-96]
RIN 1115-AE28
Renewal of Immigration and Naturalization Service Citizens'
Advisory Panel
AGENCY: Immigration and Naturalization Service, Justice.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 2, Sections 1-14, and Title 41 CFR
sections 101-6.1001-6.1035, the Commissioner, Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS), with the concurrence of the Attorney
General, is renewing, for a 2-year period, the Citizens' Advisory Panel
(CAP) for the purpose of providing recommendations to the Attorney
General on ways to reduce the number of complaints of abuse made
against employees of the INS and, most importantly, to minimize or
eliminate the causes for those complaints. The CAP is seeking to
address the complaints of impropriety by making recommendations on
community policing and training initiatives for law enforcement
personnel in order to strengthen the relationship between the INS and
all members of the community.
The CAP is also reviewing the systems and procedures in the INS for
responding to specific complaints alleging that an INS employee
exercised his/her authority in an improper manner. The CAP will receive
reports and assist in the coordination of local citizens' advisory
committees and panels developed by Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agents
and/or Immigration District Directors.
A notice was published in the Federal Register which established
the CAP (February 11, 1994, at 59 FR 6658) in response to allegations
of human rights abuses by the Border Patrol, especially along the
Southwest border, and to concerns expressed by private citizens and
organizations over the lack of responsive, expeditious, and objective
complaint process. Continuation of this CAP will facilitate resolution
of these issues, and assist the INS in furtherance
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of its goal to build and maintain a good working relationship with all
members of the community. It will serve to enhance public confidence in
immigration law enforcement and to demonstrate the INS' commitment to
respecting and protecting the rights of all individuals.
MEMBERSHIP: The CAP is composed of thirteen voting members appointed by
the Attorney General. Four of these members are officials from the
following components of the Department of Justice: Office of the
Attorney General, the INS, and the Community Relations Service. Among
these members is the Commissioner of the INS, who serves as the
permanent chairperson.
The remaining nine members are private citizens concerned about
civil rights, human relations, immigration issues, and ethics in public
service. In addition, the CAP has two non-voting members: a Consulate
or an Embassy official, representing the Government of Mexico, who
serves in a permanent advisory capacity to the CAP, and the INS
Director of the Office of Internal Audit who serves in a permanent
capacity as the INS Liaison Representative. This composition has
produced a balanced membership.
The CAP functions solely as an advisory body in compliance with the
provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The renewal of its
charter will be filed in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
CONTACT PERSON: Susan B. Wilt, Immigration and Naturalization Service,
425 I Street NW., Room 3260, Washington, DC 20536, Telephone: (202)
514-2373.
Dated: March 14, 1996.
Doris Meissner,
Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service.
[FR Doc. 96-6679 Filed 3-19-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-10-M
