(SAN DIEGO, CA, 8/29/14) — The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) recently held a one-of-a-kind cultural competency training workshop for law enforcement personnel.
The day-long workshop, titled “The Muslim Community and Law Enforcement,” attracted more than 60 law enforcement personnel and featured sessions on dispelling myths about Islam and Muslims. A portion of the training emphasized community engagement.
The workshop was designed to promote and enhance understanding between law enforcement and the Muslim community. This training comes at a critical time, amid reports of widespread spying of American Muslims by the New York Police Department and the use of anti-Islam materials in law enforcement training.
CAIR-San Diego consultant and local Imam Ahmad Fayaz Nawabi and a Muslim police officer facilitated the workshop. In a statement, Imam Nawabi said:
“This relationship between San Diego law enforcement and our city’s Muslim community has set an example for the rest of the nation to emulate. Muslims are an integral part of making San Diego both safe and vibrant. In addition, workshops such as this one reinforces the need for qualified trainers who can accurately educate about Islam and Muslims, and help prevent unwarranted suspicion of a segment of our city based solely on religious affiliation. We hope to continue working with local law enforcement in the future.”
CAIR offers a booklet, called a “Law Enforcement Official’s Guide to the Muslim Community,” to assist law enforcement authorities in formulating and implementing policies to create a culturally aware environment and cooperative relationship between American Muslims and law enforcement agencies.
SEE: Law Enforcement Official’s Guide to the Muslim Community
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.