Soufyan Harraoui
The NYPD (New York City Police Department) wants to recruit more Muslims and is asking for help within the community to better refine outreach aimed at stifling the lure of overseas terror groups, officials said, as reported by CBS New York.
At this time there are 800 Muslim uniformed police officers out of about 35,000 police officers. Out of those officers, 20 are higher ranked Muslim officers.
Commanding officer of the Community Affairs Immigration Outreach Unit, Lt. Adeel Rana, said Monday June 8, 2015, that there’s been a slow increase over the past decade. But that’s changed quickly since the new administration took over. “It’s changing every day; we are getting more and more recruits,” he said. “And as they see people of their own religion in uniform, their eyes brighten.”
A video played during the department’s annual pre-Ramadan conference showed dozens of uniformed officers who are Muslim saying: “We are your NYPD.” Many who were present also shared their opinions and pictures of this event on Twitter.
.@NYPDMuslim 7th annual gala from a bird’s eye view. #MOS15 pic.twitter.com/Ya8XKxfsnQ
— Debbie Almontaser (@DebbiAlmontaser) 12 juni 2015
A great night with the #NYPD Muslim Officer’s Society – 1,200 Muslim uniformed and civilian staff! One City! — Maya Wiley (@mayawiley) 12 juni 2015
At the NYPD Muslim officers society event. Close to 700 armed Muslims. It’s Pam Geller’s greatest nightmare! pic.twitter.com/iK8SJTHTzu
— Dean Obeidallah (@Deanofcomedy) 12 juni 2015
Muslim leaders said they are encouraged by recruitment efforts. “The more Muslims who work in the NYPD the better,” said Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations. “This is a way to break down the mistrust and create bridges in the community. Where an informant breaks down trust, a law enforcement officer builds it.”
