LAPD Scraps Muslim Mapping Program

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. (More Los Angeles stories.)