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LOS ANGELES (RNS) — It’s not every day LAPD officers are invited to speak at fashion shows.
But in 2018, Michael P. Downing, then department commander of the counter-terrorism and special operations unit, happily accepted the role of an unexpected guest of honor at a luxury South Asian fashion-focused event in downtown Los Angeles. . Downing knew his presence was important.
It was an opportunity to help reframe some of the discussions in the California Muslim community from security issues that have generated mistrust, towards a common goal of public safety.
“Where there is suspicion, we want to establish a better dialogue with law enforcement. I think we have to understand that there is not just one Muslim community — that the ummah is very diverse. This interaction has given us a better understanding of that and the needs of this community,” Downing said.
Sitara Attaie, a law enforcement career advocate for Muslim girls and actor in the show “Homeland,” participates in the 2018 fashion show in Long Beach, California. Photo by FaisalPhotographer.com
Downing was invited to a fashion show by the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, a nonprofit that seeks to empower Muslim women to be a bridge between their communities and law enforcement organizations.
In 2016, at a time when surveillance programs and rising Islamophobia have greatly complicated relations between American Muslims and law enforcement.
“After 9/11, tensions between the Muslim community and law enforcement agencies arose over discriminatory observations and other issues,” said Anila Ali, founder of AMMWEC. “I think we in the Muslim community should not be passive and should build bridges with law enforcement over our shared concern for terrorism. … At the same time, today’s Muslim community is increasingly facing the challenge of Anti-Muslim discrimination.”
The AMMWEC program is well known among other bridge building programs for its focus on placing Muslim women at the center of its efforts. With offices on both coasts, AMMWEC is most active in California, where it has connections with local law enforcement organizations as well as national organizations such as the FBI.
Anila Ali, founder of AMMWEC. courtesy photo
“These programs help uncover organizations like the FBI. They volunteer for public service opportunities and are looking for other recruits,” said Ali.
It also provides employment opportunities for women, while providing law enforcement. So far, at least six women have completed formal law enforcement internships. Others have taken courses with the FBI and attended the FBI’s civilian program. One of the apprentices went on to take up a position with the FBI. Other efforts have involved partnerships with the CIA, according to Ali.
“There is still a stigma in our society and in the Muslim community especially about divorced women,” said Ali. “These internships and programs can enable women who have lost access to most of their social networks for new career paths.”
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In some Muslim communities, Ali said, perceptions of law enforcement are starting to shift, as crime-fighting agencies turn to countering violent Islamophobia and as the Biden administration places greater emphasis on monitoring right-wing extremism. Ali also cited “Quantico,” a popular television show starring Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra as an FBI special agent, as a factor. The show, he said, helped build the agency’s appeal within the South Asian community.
Dr. Farhat Zubair, from left, Sergeant Mike Abideen and Faryal Khan participated in the previous AMMWEC program. courtesy photo.
Believing that Muslims have a responsibility to play a leading role in preventing violent extremism, he has also developed a new approach to the work. In 2015 he was invited to speak at the White House Summit Against Violent Extremism.
This part of his work was not always popular with other Muslim NGOs. At least one prominent group has tried to prevent the organization from inviting him to their events.
But Ali believes it is important for government agencies to hear the voices of Muslims, especially Muslim women, who are often marginalized in such discussions.
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What was important to Ali was that the Muslims were ready to speak. Ausna Haris, while still in high school, participated in some of AMMWEC’s early law enforcement programs and hopes to become a lawyer.
“My perspective on law enforcement has certainly changed as a result of this program; We are involved in several scenarios with quite heavy enforcement, and you have to think for yourself,” said Haris.
“I think there are certainly many valid criticisms of law enforcement in certain contexts,” added Haris, “but I think this program definitely opened my eyes to opportunities in public service and volunteerism.”
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