NRI Sikhs with turbans can now serve Washington police

Washington DC's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the seventh largest police force in the US, adopt new uniform accommodations for Sikhs to don turbans, beards

Under the new rules- allowing Sikhs to don their articles of faith

Washington, May 18, 2012
Gary Singh/Devinder- NRIpress.com news

The Chief Cathy Lanier of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in an event at police headquarters said:

• I am proud of this new policy which reflects the values of the MPD.  Making it clear that Sikh Americans may protect the Nation’s Capital and may serve their community as full-time officers reflects the promise we made to have a police force that serves as a model for those around the world.   It is important that all those who live in, work in, and visit the District see our values and commitment to the community in our officers.
• The first Sikh-American police officers with turbans and beards were expected to join the force in August.
• Sikh Americans reflects the promise we made to have a police force that serves as a model for those around the world. It is important that all those who live in, work in, and visit the District see our values and commitment to the community in our officers

Now, Washington, DC is the largest city in the United States in which Sikh Americans can become full-time uniformed police officers, joining their counterparts across the world.

SALDEF- Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund and a Sikh advocacy group, always actively pursued the issue with the DC force. Jasjit Singh, Executive Director of SALDEF said:

• Nine years ago, Sikh Americans had to sue to become traffic enforcement officers.  Today, the Nation’s Capital is inviting all Sikh Americans to become full-time, full-fledged police officers,” said Jasjit Singh, Executive Director of SALDEF. “Our articles of faith are signs of our commitment to equality and public service – the same values held by every law enforcement officer, the same values represented by the MPD uniform.
• We are pleased to partner with MPD as they continue to play a leading role in developing best practices for the law enforcement community
• We encourage Sikh Americans to pursue careers with MPD, the first major police department to allow Sikh Americans to serve and protect their neighbors as full-time officers while maintaining their religious identity
• SALDEF also reported that the new policy was the result of an eight-year partnership between MPD and SALDEF. "Since 2004, over 4,000 MPD officers have participated in cultural awareness training through SALDEF's Law Enforcement Partnership Program. Due to this new policy, Sikh Americans have an equal opportunity to serve in Washington DC Sikh officer who was expected to pass out of police academy in August.
• Chief Lanier and MPD recognize the importance of breaking down barriers to service. This first of a kind guidance by one of the nation’s premier law enforcement agencies serves as a model for other agencies across the country

Due to the customs of beards and wearing turban’s, many people confused Sikh with Muslims and others of middle eastern countries. Since 9/11 many Sikhs have faced persecution and violence. Many Sikh taxi drivers have been attacked.

Sikh Philosophy: There is one supreme eternal reality; the truth; imminent in all things; immanent in creation. Without fear and without hatred; not subject to time; beyond birth and death; self revealing . Known by the Guru’s grace.