:dateline:Sikh Americans are in a unique position! The Riverside Police Department (RPD) wants Sikh Americans to apply to its force. The RPD is the first police department in California, and only the second in the nation, to proactively amend their uniform guidance so Sikhs can serve.
The guidelines include religious accommodations for potential recruits of the Sikh faith, and specifically allow Sikh American police officers to maintain articles of faith, including turbans and beards, while on duty. This is a powerful way for Sikh Americans to show that they are part of the community.
The change at Riverside PD follows months of collaboration with SALDEF and the local community. This follows the policy change by the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which became the nation�s first law enforcement agency to fully accept Sikh American officers and candidates.
“I am happy to report that we have made it possible to accept qualified recruits of the Sikh faith without lowering our standards nor requiring that anyone compromise their religious beliefs. We in the RPD are proud of the diversity of our workforce and hope to be able soon to add to that diversity with one or more Sikh officers,� said Chief Diaz. �Having a police department that reflects the community that it serves is an important goal. I’m very grateful to SALDEF for working with us to achieve an important milestone in our department’s history.
Sikhism has a long tradition of service and protection, and so, it is a natural source of talent for the police service. I look forward to more opportunities for collaboration with SALDEF and the Sikh community.�
�We applaud the Riverside Police Department and Chief Diaz for their progressive and pioneering leadership with being the first law enforcement department in California to allow Sikh Americans to serve with our identity intact�, said SALDEF Executive Director Jasjit Singh. �This is particularly significant as California has both the oldest and largest Sikh population in the country. We are hopeful that this collaboration will serve as a model for other law enforcement agencies and departments across California, the country and to our armed services.�
Badge of Honor New Police Guidelines Given to Sikh Americans in California
Sikh Americans are in a unique position! The Riverside Police Department (RPD) wants Sikh Americans to apply to its force. The RPD is the first police department in California, and only the second in the nation, to proactively amend their uniform guidance so Sikhs can serve.
The guidelines include religious accommodations for potential recruits of the Sikh faith, and specifically allow Sikh American police officers to maintain articles of faith, including turbans and beards, while on duty. This is a powerful way for us�Sikh Americans�to show that we are part of the community.
“I am happy to report that we have made it possible to accept qualified recruits of the Sikh faith without lowering our standards nor requiring that anyone compromise their religious beliefs. We in the RPD are proud of the diversity of our workforce and hope to be able soon to add to that diversity with one or more Sikh officers,� said Chief Diaz.� �Having a police department that reflects the community that it serves is an important goal.�I’m very grateful to SALDEF for working with us to achieve an important milestone in our department’s history. Sikhism has a long tradition of service and protection, and so, it is a natural source of talent for the police service.� I look forward to more opportunities for collaboration with SALDEF and the Sikh community.�
�We applaud the Riverside Police Department and Chief Diaz for their progressive and pioneering leadership with being the first law enforcement department in California to allow Sikh Americans to serve with our identity intact�, said SALDEF Executive Director Jasjit Singh. �This is particularly significant as California has both the oldest and largest Sikh population in the country. We are hopeful that this collaboration will serve as a model for other law enforcement agencies and departments across California, the country and to our armed services.�
What do you think? Tell us on Facebook or tweet @saldef with #SikhMedia #SikhPD.
Founded in 1996, SALDEF’s mission is to achieve equal access and opportunity for Sikh Americans by protecting civil rights, building dialogue, deepening understanding, promoting civic and political participation, and upholding social justice and religious freedom for all Americans.
![Photo © (Courtesy SALDEF]](https://www.sikh24.com/wp-content/uploads/riversidepolicebadgechiefsergiodiaz.jpg)
![SALDEF Logo � [Courtesy SALDEF]](https://www.sikh24.com/wp-content/uploads/SaldefLogo.gif)
