Muslims Welcome Removal
of LAPD's Mapping Program
Los
Angeles, CA: The controversial Muslim 'Mapping' Plan of the
Los Angeles Police Department is now "dead on arrival"
according to Chief William Bratton.
"It is over and not just put on the side," said
Chief Bratton in a meeting with the Muslim leadership of Southern
California. The meeting was moderated by Deputy Mayor of Los
Angeles, Arif Alikhan and attended by Deputy Chief Mike Downing.
Chief Bratton acknowledged the hurt and offense caused to
Muslims and agreed to send a letter to the Muslim community
announcing the official termination of the 'mapping' plan.
A major reason for the termination of the 'mapping' plan was
the Muslim community's vociferous opposition and active civic
engagement in making themselves heard beyond Los Angeles.
Muslim organizations demonstrated a strong unity of purpose
and message on the issue of 'mapping' that led to a position
of strength for Muslims in the meeting. Those involved in
the initial phases of this controversy were the Islamic Shura
Council of Southern California, the Council on American-Islamic
Relations, the Muslim Public Affairs Council, Muslim Advocates
and American Civil Liberties Union. Several other mosques
and organizations joined in the common stand against the 'mapping'
plan at the meeting.
Present at the press conference was also a large coalition
of interfaith groups and social justice organizations whose
continued support strengthened the Muslims' call for the withdrawal
of the 'mapping' plan. The alliance with these groups proved
instrumental in registering a strong voice to preserve American
democratic values in our city government.
The Muslim organizations highlighted the pervasive culture
of ignorance across the country in political and law enforcement
circles contributing to misconceptions about Islam and Muslims
that lead to short-sighted policy-making. In response, Chief
Bratton suggested the establishment of a Muslim Forum for
LAPD to directly interface with him and his senior command
staff in pursuit of mutual understanding between law enforcement
and the Muslim community. The Muslim leadership welcomed the
idea and hopes the Forum will help to dispel the myths about
Islam and Muslims and create a healthy dialogue with law enforcement.
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