41 Arrested in First Month Of Stricter Immigration Policy

Charlie T. Deane, Prince William County police chief, said most residency checks have occurred during traffic stops and calls for service. (By Giuliana Nakashima -- The Washington Post)
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The meeting was consistent with the police department's public outreach efforts, Deane said yesterday.

"That meeting was not unprecedented," he said.

Patric Quinn, president of the Police Association of Prince William County, said association members back the chief in regard to the meeting with Escorza. Stewart should have carefully considered the chief's actions before "publicly undermining him," Quinn told the board yesterday. "Proper protocol was followed. He is simply carrying out your directive."

Stewart said he felt no need to apologize. "I never said anything bad about the chief," he said. "He satisfactorily answered my questions, and I'm convinced now there was nothing wrong with the meeting."

Former supervisor Hilda M. Barg defended the chief to the board.

"Chief Charlie Deane is a man of integrity who has kept his promise to the people of this community . . . by holding public meetings and removing the hatred and the fear," she said to Stewart. "I'm appalled that you have publicly attacked the chief."

Stewart later said: "That's Hilda. That's what I expect her to say. She's never been a fan."