California Police Chiefs Reaffirm Acceptance Of Sikh Identity

June 15, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: SikhNet

http://www.sikhnet.com/news/yuba-city-police-chief-reaffirms-acceptance-sikh-identity

Late last week, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) received confirmation that observant Sikhs are still welcome to join the Yuba City Police Department in Yuba City, California.

On January 23, 2007, former Yuba City Police Chief Richard Doscher corresponded with SALDEF in the context of an employment matter and wrote: "We have no policy which precludes an employee of the Sikh faith from wearing a turban or beard (or possession of a kirpan) during their employment with us."

According to current Yuba City Police Chief Robert D. Landon, "[o]ur policy has not changed and we continue to respect the customs of the Sikh faith[.]"

SALDEF is grateful to Chief Landon and the Yuba City Police Department for their leadership in the cause of promoting equal employment opportunities for observant Sikh Americans who aspire to serve as law enforcement officers.