Earlier this year, Pittsburgh Assistant Public Safety Director Shatara Murphy recalled talking to two children of immigrants that reminded her why so many newcomers to the city might hesitate to dial 911.
At a community meeting, one child asked Murphy if she could stop police from mistreating her mom because of her poor English. The other asked how many people could fit in a fire truck — worrying that it would come and take her and her family away from their homes.
“We understand there is an inherent mistrust of public safety officials in the immigrant community, and it is purely from a lack of understanding,” Murphy said.