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LETTER TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES Dear Law Enforcement Officer: As our population in the Bay Area and throughout California becomes more diverse, it is increasingly important that those who serve the public have an insight and understanding into the various groups that make up the community. Groups that have long been misunderstood and stereotyped, and have especially suffered from backlash and hate crimes since the 9/11 tragedy and the war in Iraq, are the American Muslim and Arab communities. A poll by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) found that harassment, violence and discriminatory treatment towards American Muslims in 2004 increased by nearly 70% since 2002 (the year after the 9/11 attacks). Most of this increase is related to hate crimes, which more than doubled in 2004. The same study also found that 86% of Americans have somewhat, or little to no knowledge of Islam; and that half of Americans believe that Islam oppresses women. ING, a non-profit organization, has been providing cultural competency trainings about Islam, Muslims and Arabs to public institutions for over 15 years. Since 1995, ING has conducted hundreds of trainings for police departments, district attorney offices and other law enforcement agencies around the Bay Area and across the country including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Seminar Goals and Benefits The primary goal of ING's cultural competency training seminar called “Working with the American Muslim and Arab Communities” is to provide an understanding and insight into the American Muslim and Arab communities, which will enhance the capabilities and skills of law enforcement agents to serve these members of society. Of the millions of Muslims and Arabs living in the U.S., more than 20% live in California. Benefits of the training include improved community relations through better understanding of Muslim and Arab cultures, more effective interaction with Muslims and Arabs as potential victims of hate crimes or as witnesses, and a safer environment for officers as they do their job. Seminar Description The seminar gives an overview of common stereotypes and their origins, basic beliefs and practices, protocols for effective interaction, and ways to build mutually beneficial relationships. The training is highly interactive, with questions and answers addressed throughout the course. Specific topics addressed are as follows: * Cultural Competency in Law Enforcement * Common Perceptions of Muslims and Arabs, Sources, Consequences and Impact on the Community * Muslim and Arab Cultures * Demographics * Overview of the Contemporary Muslim World * Political Islam and Terrorism * Suggested Protocols for Interaction with Muslims and Their Institutions * Opportunities for Cooperation Between Local Muslims and Law Enforcement Agencies Certified Trainers ING training leaders have all attended Police Academy for Citizens in their local cities, and have over 20 years of combined experience presenting to law enforcement agencies. In addition, all ING certified speakers are trained to uphold the ideals and principles of the First Amendment, guaranteeing that they provide academic and objective presentations about Islam, Muslims and Arabs. Testimonials Response to the previous training workshops has been overwhelmingly positive with feedback such as the following: “Very knowledgeable trainer and receptive to our questions” “Opened my eyes, knowledge level was excellent” “Very informative, I learned a great deal” “A great understanding of cultures I thought I knew” “Our officers will now have a better understanding of the Muslim community and this knowledge will help them better serve the diverse community...” Schedule a Training Workshop To schedule a training seminar for your organization, simply complete the online Speaker Request Form. To learn more about ING, you may also visit our website for the latest news and events. Although we can provide our services at no charge to your agency, we recommend a donation or honorarium of $500 a session. ING is a non-profit organization and your contribution will help us to continue to offer educational programs to community agencies like yours. We look forward to visiting your organization and continuing to serve law enforcement agencies. Sincerely, Maha Elgenaidi President Previous Level Links . . .  Request an Islamic Speakers Bureau presentation  Cultural Competency Law Enforcement Training Testimonials from Law Enforcement Training School Program to Prevent Hate Crimes and Harrassment Calendar of Important Islamic Dates Ramadan Information Sheet Hajj Information Sheet Islamic New Year Information Sheet Interfaith Speakers Bureau |
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