Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department Releases New Uniform Rules to Accommodate Religious Practices (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Washington, DC) Today, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) became the first major metropolitan police department in the country to allow Sikh Americans to maintain their articles of faith while serving as full-time law enforcement officers. In an event at MPD Headquarters, Chief Cathy Lanier released a Special Order amending the uniform rules. The new rules offer specific guidance on the accommodation of the Sikh articles of faith. The policy was developed with the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF). Key features of the policy include: • Applies to all uniformed officers • Protections for officer health and safety • Accommodates the Sikh articles of faith, including beards and turbans “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 Lanier. “We at SALDEF are pleased to partner with the MPD as they continue to play a leading role in developing best practices for the law enforcement community,” said Jasjit Singh, Executive Director of SALDEF. “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.” Sikh Americans often face barriers to employment in public safety because of their articles of faith, including uncut hair and turbans. Unlike their counterparts in other nations, Sikh Americans were often discouraged from serving their communities because of uniform policies which lacked accommodations for religious articles. “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.” ##END## Pictures, Punjabi release, and a copy of Mr. Singh’s remarks available on request
