In the wake of recent untoward incidents against Sikhs in some parts of the US, the US Department of Justice's Community Relations Service has launche

In the wake of recent untoward incidents against Sikhs in some parts of the US, the US Department of Justice's Community Relations Service has launched a new initiative to sensitise general public.

The department has put on its website a 17-minute video, called On Common Ground: Sikh American Cultural Competency Training for Law Enforcement, which informs police and security officers how to approach Sikhs respectfully while still being effective.

David Baker, the county’s crime prevention specialist said: “I want everyone to see it. The Public Service Training Academy, which trains all officers in the various police agencies in the county, should use it.”

On Common Ground was created by the Department of Justice and the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (Saldef), a Washington DC-based advocacy group.

According to Saldef national director Rajbir Singh, law enforcement and Sikh community representatives in other countries have also asked for the video. The DVD was sent to Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, India, and Brazil for use by local law enforcement agencies.

The video is also meant to make officials aware of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Sikhs to avoid any mistreatment in future relating to their practice of keeping a kirpan and wearing a kada.

The initiative is a laudable confidence-building measure and will come as a relief for Sikhs in the US, who have been at the receiving end of late.

Courtesy:timesofindia.com
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