RIVERSIDE, CA - 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.
The change at Riverside PD 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.”
“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.”
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