Eugene police respond to ID-theft worries

By The Associated Press

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The policy, believed to be one of the first of its kind in the nation, grew out of concerns about identity theft and civil liberties.

Officers now must explain why they are asking for the number and tell people that they aren't required to give it.

"If the person chooses not to give it, we won't demand it," Police Chief Jim Lehner said.

The policy states that officers typically won't request a Social Security number during routine traffic stops or when questioning a person. They also won't ask victims and witnesses for the information.

Police will ask for the number when making an arrest or for citations that normally would generate an arrest warrant if a suspect fails to appear in court.

The number also may be requested in cases of missing persons and runaway juveniles, and when determining whether someone is the subject of an outstanding warrant.

The change should also ease concerns of minorities that police ask for their Social Security numbers to detect immigration violations or to feed federal agencies names for terrorism watch lists.

"People in the Latino community felt somewhat targeted when they were asked for their Social Security numbers and others were not," said Andrea Ortiz, a city councilwoman-elect.

Police officials acknowledge that officers have been inconsistent about when they ask for the number.

The policy, crafted by members of the city's Police Commission and Human Rights Commission, went into effect July 1.

The department recently trained officers and recruits on how to follow it.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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