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Utah Budget Includes Money For Police To Watch Over Refugees

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert is asking lawmakers to pay for two state police officers to watch over refugees coming from Syria and elsewhere.

The plan calls for Utah's Department of Public Safety agents to both monitor for possible problems with refugees and help if they become crime victims.

Herbert announced Wednesday he wants to set aside $360,000 for the program as part of his $14.8 billion budget proposal for the upcoming year.

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The Republican governor's office says the agents will be police liaisons for refugees who help with U.S. legal processes as well as monitor for signs of trouble or possible radicalization.

Herbert's office says the agents will pay special attention to refugees from Syria and other vulnerable communities.

The plan comes after Herbert ordered a review of the refugee vetting process following the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris.