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LAPD Scraps Muslim Mapping Program

Mayor rips 'counterproductive' police plan

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 15, 2007 6:22 AM CST
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(Newser) – Following a frenzy of controversy, the Los Angeles police department is scrapping its much-criticized plan to "map" Muslim communities. The department had hoped to pinpoint isolated Muslim communities in an attempt to identify problem hot spots. Critics said the plan was a form of religious profiling, and that it would be virtually impossible because the census does not collect religious information.

Opponents also pointed out that the plan was based on the experience in Europe where Muslims often form isolated enclaves, while in the US the Islamic population is much more dispersed. "Muslim Americans were very disturbed about the ramifications of the plan and having their privacy invaded," said a director of a Muslim advocacy group. Police officials said they would continue to reach out to the Muslim community.

The July 30 issue of Newsweek, Islam in America special report examines what it means to be Muslim in America, and how U.S. Muslims balance being true to both their faith and their country. Chris Dickey investigates how radical imams are using the Internet to recruit new jihadists. Plus
The July 30 issue of Newsweek, "Islam in America" special report examines what it means to be Muslim in America, and how U.S. Muslims balance being true to both their faith and their country. Chris Dickey...   (Associated Press)
A Kashmiri Muslim woman hugs a relative in Srinagar, India, before leaving for the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)
A Kashmiri Muslim woman hugs a relative in Srinagar, India, before leaving for the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)   (Associated Press)
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Mapping plan 'indefinitely postponed'; could be restarted
International Herald Tribune

Commentary: Word 'mapping' sent wrong message
Los Angeles Daily News

 
Islam • Europe • Muslims • Muslim Americans • religion • Los Angeles • LAPD • police department

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