Contact UsUPDATE: Washington, DC, Becomes First Major City in US to Allow Full-Time Sikh American Police Officers
SALDEF’s Eight Year Partnership with MPD Results in Uniform Policy Change
Today the seventh largest police force in the nation became the first major police department in the United States to explicitly and voluntarily allow Sikh Americans to serve as full-time, uniformed police officers while keeping their articles of faith.
“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,” said Chief Cathy Lanier of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in an event at police headquarters.
Tweet your support @DCPoliceDept #SikhPD
“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.”
Under the new uniform guidelines, Sikh American police officers can maintain their articles of faith while on duty, including their turbans and beards. The guidelines remove barriers to employment often faced by Sikh Americans in other public safety positions. Washington, DC, is now the largest city in the United States in which Sikh Americans can become full-time uniformed police officers, joining their counterparts across the world.
“We are pleased to partner with MPD as they continue to play a leading role in developing best practices for the law enforcement community”, said Mr. Singh. “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.”
The policy is 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 the Nation’s Capital,” said Mr. Singh. “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.”
Click here for the Punjabi version.
UPDATE ( 5/25/12):
National and International Coverage of Historic Announcement Reaches Millions
Last week, Washington Metro Police Department (MPD), became the nation’s first major police department in the United States to explicitly and voluntarily allow Sikh Americans to serve as full-time, uniformed police officers while keeping their articles of faith. This historic change was the result of SALDEF’s eight-year partnership with MPD.
The announcement was welcomed by Sikhs throughout America and the world as a step forward for the community. National and international media coverage of the announcement resulted in hundreds of news stories and blog posts discussing topics ranging from Sikh theology to the history of Sikhs in law enforcement capacities around the world.
Coverage of the Event:
LISTEN: MPD: Turbans Approved For Police Force (National Public Radio)
LISTEN: DC Police Allow Sikh Officers To Wear Beards And Turbans (CBS Radio)
WATCH: Press Conference Recording (SALDEF)
READ:
D.C. police to allow Sikh officers to wear beards, religious items on job (Washington Post)
DC police: Sikh officers can wear beards, turbans (Wall Street Journal / Associated Press)
Sikhs can now serve on D.C.’s police force (National Post / AFP)
“Ground breaking policy changes like this open employment opportunities for our community and can positively shape the image of Sikhs in America as we are seen protecting our neighbors.” said Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Executive Director. “We congratulate the entire community on this victory and encourage Sikh Americans to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
27 Responses to “UPDATE: Washington, DC, Becomes First Major City in US to Allow Full-Time Sikh American Police Officers”
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[...] here for the announcement from SALDEF, which provides additional details. Share this:MoreLike [...]
Dear Chief Lanier,
I can’t thank you enough for making the decision to allow Sikhs to serve in Washington D.C.’s police force. Over the last eleven years, my community has found itself squarely in the crosshairs of intolerance and skepticism, your leadership is helping turn the tide. On behalf of Sikhs everywhere, thanks so much for your inspiration and incredible leadership.
Respectfully,
Jay Singh
Thank you, sir. You won’t ever be disappointed by the performance of Sikh police officers.
Greatly appreciate MPD’s policy changes to accomodate sikh officers with firm belief in
their faith to serve towards nation and community.
Look forward to further enhancements through out the nation.
Thanks,
Inderpreet Singh
AngSanghWaheGuru
NanakNamChardiKalaTereBanaySarbatDaPala
WaheGuruJiKaKhalsaWaheGuruJiKiFatahe
THANKS FOR A PROGRESSIVE DECISION TAKEN TO LET THE SIKHS WORK IN MPD WITH THEIR UNIQUE IDENTITY. SIKH ARE VERY HONEST, BRAVE AND PROTECTORS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RIGHTS OF THE DOWNTRODDEN. I AM SURE THEY WILL DO JUSTICE TO THEIR ROLE AND BE PROUD TO BE THE POLICE OFFICERS IN MPD.
Tremendously appreciated approach to accommodate the Sikh community in your Police Force Of Washington.Thanks Prem Singh
How auesum!!!!
Dear Chief Lanier,
You has taken a step in the right direction to allow Sikh Americans to serve as full-time law enforcement officers while wearing their articles of faith. This is an exemplary move to other cities in this great nation. Congratulations on your wise decision and support of Sikhs on the law enforcement force.
For generations, Sikhs have served as loyal and dedicated law enforcement officers in numerous nations in the world and serving this nation’s cities will be no different. You have gained the resource of a valuable people in law enforcement.
It is my hope and the hope of other Sikh Americans that other cities will follow suit to allow Sikhs to openly serve in law enforcement and in the military services.
Love being an Sikh American. Although a lot more education needs to be spread around about the Soldier-Saints of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Great decision by the Police Chief to move the department into the 21st Century. He deserves great praise and all the accolades one can think of.
Sincerely,
Dale
Fantastic, just fantastic. The country will see he nations ital as a leader and visionary
Just wanted to say a few words. Sikhs are a community which has rich history of valour and sacrifice. The Sikh Regiment is the best and the most awarded regiment in the Indian Army. Wherever Sikhs have served they have left their mark. Its not the question of being the better person by performance, its about being a better person through intention and sincerity.
THis is a great accomplishment and a sign of the progressive leadership in washington dc law enforcement. I am proud that our nations capital is leading the way!
Great step forward leading to less prejudiced and fairer society/world. Thanks to MPD
Sat Sri Akal,
This is one among the best of achievements & a message to the human race to live and serve in equality. I appreciate the efforts of SALDEF from the deep of my heart and I pray Waheguru that We Sikhs keep on moving ahead for our rights and service to humanity.
The Guru’s gave us courage and vigor to face hardest of situations and come alive winning the jackpot. SALDEF took one more step in that direction. Keep it up & God Bless you.
regards,
Gurpreet Singh
Delhi, India
Congratulations on taking this step. Washington DC has once again led the country in implementing equal opportunity access to all. This shows your openmindedness to give every person an equal opportunity to excel in their chosen profession. The Sikhs are hard working people and will live up to the trust reposed in them.
Salute to Dear Chief Lanier,
Proud of your broad minded vision to include dedicated, hardworking, God Fearing, Sikh officers to your respected Peace Officers Force.
As time rolls you will be proud of this decision of including Gursikhs to your force.
From
Son of former Police Chief of Pepsu (Punjab) India.
Bir Ishwar Singh Grewall
President, Inter-Faith Charities Intl.
Sat Sri Akal ji,
It feels good reading positive news regarding achievements of Sikhs. Keep it up the good work. Remain United & Strong..!!
regards.
Dear Chief Cathy Lanier,
Allowing American Sikhs to work full time as police officer in MPD is a bold step in the right direction. I am sure your dream that MPD to be a police force that serve as a model for those around the world will become a reality soon. The articles of faith in Sikh religion are symbols which keep us going in the right direction even in the worst situations. I wish MPD & SALDEF to be on the top of the world. Regards.
Balbir Singh
Chief Cathy Lanier,
I commend your action and thank you for supporting equality for minorities in MPD. I wish you the very best.
Thanks again,
Harminder Singh
Great victory for Sikhs.
Thank you SALDEF for your efforts for making this happen.We are proud of you.
This is great. I’m glad to see MPD setting a good example for the rest of the nation in letting our Sikh brothers maintain their articles of faith while serving their city.
Good Evening Sikh Friend’s I’m american and very pleased to see that washington is letting the sikh people work as policemen in washington I’m not a sikh but I love all religion’s and I’ve been wearing the turban since 09 and I love the turban very much and always will wear it for the rest of my life and india is my favorite country and I think that the sikh’s will make great police officer’s in washington so have a blessed evening . Love The Sikh people forever
[...] the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, has hailed the policy as a victory for Sikh civil rights. And while that victory may be important, the story gained [...]
I exptermely commend the decision of MPD, Wshington to allow a complete Sikh to serve as an Officer in the police force. I myself is a Sikh Professor and have been employed in a number of US Universities from past 28 years. I have always kept my turban on the head and of course have my long my beard. Quodos SALDEF AND MPD for a great civil rights cause for the humanity, which Sikhism stringly beleive and act upon: All people are born equal since they are sons/daughters of the same creater-the Supreme God!!