Sheriff Leroy D. Baca strongly believes in Public Trust Policing
to partner with the communities we serve.
Public trust policing is the use of police resources in a manner that includes the public’s participation in the mission of public safety. The purpose of public trust policing is to provide a higher level of public safety. It is incumbent upon law enforcement to recognize that without the full faith and cooperation of the public, the mission of public safety is severely impaired. The process of public trust policing involves moving from what was generally known as a closed system to an inclusive and open system of public participation in the public safety mission.
With that in mind, Sheriff Baca initiated a Muslim Outreach program to better address current issues facing the Muslim community such as hate crimes, discrimination, etc.
The Muslim Community Affairs unit was established in August 2007 under the direction of Sheriff Baca with the purpose of developing an outreach program for the Muslim Community in Los Angeles County, and to compliment the efforts of the Muslim American Homeland Security Congress which was also created by Sheriff Baca in July 2005.
The Muslim Community Affairs Unit is managed by Muslim Sheriff’s Department staff members which consists of a Sergeant, a full time Deputy and five part time Deputies assigned to various patrol and custody divisions.
Since it’s inception, the Muslim Community Affairs unit has grown to include a training program for the Muslim community on law enforcement issues such as hate crimes, domestic violence, gangs and identity theft. A Young Muslim American Leaders Group (YMALG) was also developed with the purpose of engagement and education for the young Muslim professionals in the Los Angeles area. The YMALG meets on a monthly basis to discuss issues that concern the Muslim youth and young professionals. Some of the activities the young Muslim professionals are exposed to include jail tours, recruitment activities, ride along in department helicopters and tours of patrol stations. These programs further embrace the Sheriff’s Department mission of Public Trust Policing.
In addition to training and engaging with the community, the Muslim Community Affairs unit also trains department members about Islam and Muslims along with their culture, customs, and beliefs to facilitate our Core Values. The recruits at the academy also receive a two hour class on Muslim cultures and background as part of the cultural awareness training program.
The Muslim Community Affairs unit and the staff serve as the liaison point of contact for the department as well as the Muslim community in general. For more information please contact Sergeant Mike Abdeen at (323) 243-9762 or Deputy Sherif Morsi at (323) 980-2291.
Some of the functions the unit performs include:
- Conduct training for Law Enforcement officers about Islam, Muslims, and Arabs
- Host monthly Young Muslim American Leaders Group Meeting
- Make presentations at local Islamic Centers and Schools
- Attend Islamic Center and School functions and events
- Conduct tours of Sheriff facilities
- Liaison with the Muslim and Arab community and Law Enforcement agencies
- Coordinate community participation in various programs to encourage civic engangement
The LASD.orgŪ website has made reasonable efforts to provide an accurate translation. However, no automated or computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace human or traditional translation methods. The official text is the English version of LASD.orgŪ website. If any questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information presented by the translated version of the website, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
