Jeh Johnson, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has highlighted DHS’ commitment to help keep communities safe during a speech at the first annual conference of the Middle Eastern Law Enforcement Officers Association in Dearborn, Michigan.
MELOA comprises several department employees who aim to promote trust through community engagement, George Selim, director of DHS’ office for community partnerships, wrote in a blog article published Thursday
“It has been proven, time and again, that a law enforcement community, a police force, a law enforcement organization that looks like the community that they serve builds trust,â€Â Johnson told his audience.
Selim noted that many Middle Eastern Americans serve as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Customs and Border Protection watch commanders, U.S. Coast Guard cadets, Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery support personnel and Transportation Security Administration screen passengers.
He added MELOA’s membership has increased by 500 percent since January and the DHS office for community partnerships will continue to promote and build dialogue, understanding and partnerships in a push to safeguard the nation and its values.
