ASIAN OUTREACH

The Asian population is a fast growing minority group in Central Texas.  It is estimated that the Asian population in the greater Austin area is approximately 80,000 with one of the largest group being Vietnamese at around 14,000 people. A Vietnamese employee was hired as a liaison to begin outreach efforts to all of Austin’s Asian residents.  In addition to working closely with the Vietnamese community, the liaison has established a good working relationship with the Korean, Cambodian, Filipino, Chinese, Indian and other Asian community groups. Overcoming the ingrained cultural reluctance in many Asian nations to interact with police has been the focus of this effort. Great strides have been made and many significant events have brought the various Asian groups together with officers in a non-threatening environment.  Additionally, work has been done with officers working in areas with a large Asian population to help address these same issues.  A cultural diversity panel made up of representatives from several Asian groups has been formed to present diversity training to all new APD cadets.

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Mei Fung
Austin Police Department Community Liaison
Asian Outreach Liaison
GuiMei.Fung@austintexas.gov
512-974-4738

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