Muslims Welcome Removal of LAPD's Mapping Program

   Source: IslamiCity Nov 16, 2007 3 Comments


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 on Thursday, November 15th. 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, and Muslim Advocates. 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.

Today, the people of Los Angeles spoke and the City of Los Angeles listened to the collective voice for justice and civil rights.

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Older Comments:
KHADIJA NELSON FROM USA said:
As-salaamu-alaikum-Rahamatullihi-wa-Barakatuhu:

I found this article to hit home where Muslim/Islamic right have been overlooked by this Government, The government has a lack of knowledge about the Shareeah so therefor we are the one Community left out of the decision making process in the is country. The needs of the Muslim communities through out the USA have not become a front running issue. I live in the Northeastrn part of the county and we are faced with Religious persecution every day, WHY? due to ignorance about who Muslims are,what Muslims believe in, and what are our needs social and political. We live in a country where their government does not coinside with our Shareeah.InshaAllah,we will over come this through hijjrah.

Your Beloved Sister In Islam
Khadija Nelson
2007-12-27
SYED KHALID HAFIZ FROM USA said:

What happened to those social climbing and media hogging parasites at MPAC who offered to work with the LAPD to map out Muslims under the cover of "dawah"?
2007-11-19
KHADIJAH FROM USA said:
Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! If this mapping would have been allowed, then police departments all over the country would have followed its lead. Now maybe forums can be created instead to dispell the inaccuracies that are so predominant in western society about Islam. It was not just Islamic organizations that came out against this, many faith groups stood behind our brothers and sisters. Alhumdul Allah!!!!! Allah (SWT) sends helpers to us when things get too bad. Historically, to stop the Monguls of Asia, Allah (SWT) brought Ghengus Khan's grandson to Islam to stop the slaughter. Today, there are orthodox rabbis standing guard, and getting hurt at times, protecting the Palestinians during the date harvest so the crops are not stolen. Through prayer and patience Muslims prevail. In Sha'Allah one day we can all live in peace. It has to start with knowledge, and the only ones that can spread that knowledge about Islam is us. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Qur'an that the ink of a scholar is more pleasing than the blood of a marter. Get involved in your local universities. See if they will let you come and do a presentation. See if you have a Muslim Student Association at your college. If not, contact MSA International. They are all over the US and Canada ect. Contact your local police department and see if they are open to creating a forum like the one they are establishing in LA. Let's educate these people-who knows, some may just end up taking shahada!
2007-11-17