Seminar designed to emphasize community engagement and enhance mutual understanding between law enforcement and the Muslim community

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 9/23/14) - On Wednesday, September 24, the Minnesota Muslim community will host a day-long seminar for law enforcement personnel titled "Muslims, Somalis and Law Enforcement in Minnesota: Building Effective Relationships."  The seminar will emphasize community engagement and the enhancement of mutual understanding between law enforcement and the Muslim community.

The first annual POST-accredited seminar is organized by 15 Muslim community organizations, in collaboration with law enforcement officers statewide.

WHAT: Muslims, Somalis and Law Enforcement in Minnesota: Building Effective Relationships

WHEN: Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

WHERE: St. Paul, Minnesota

"This seminar has been prepared to meet the unique needs of the law enforcement community in our state and will feature officers and community experts as presenters throughout the day," said CAIR-MN Countering Islamophobia Coordinator Amber Michel.

She said the program will also feature a panel of Muslim police officers and a networking lunch with Minnesota Muslim community leaders.

The training will present factual and thorough information about Islam, Muslims and the Somali community; present specific strategies for building effective relationships with the Muslim and Somali communities; provide participants with techniques for practical application of these strategies in the law enforcement setting; and facilitate positive classroom discussion that enhances understanding.

This seminar is approved for 6 Continuing Education Credits (POST Course Number: 10382-0001). Registration cost is $50 per person. Limited scholarships are available. A light breakfast and buffet lunch will be provided.

The seminar is open to all law enforcement officers, crime prevention specialists, administrative and support staff in government and law enforcement departments, investigators, community outreach personnel, and any related positions. 

Individuals interested in registering can visit: www.mnpolicetraining.net or call 612-206-3360.

This event is a joint initiative of Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN), EngageMN, Islamic Center of Minnesota, Islamic Civic Society of America, Islamic Resource Group, Jaafari Islamic Center, Masjid An-Nur, Minnesota Dawah Institute, Northwest Islamic Community Center, Sisters Need a Place, Somali Action Alliance, and Somali Resources & Associates.

On Sunday, CAIR-MN hosted its quarterly Muslim Community Leadership Briefing with 50 Minnesota Muslim leaders of organizations and mosques. The guest speaker was the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR-MN Countering Islamophobia Coordinator Amber Michel, 612-206-3360, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]