March 18, 2010

Assistant Director in Charge, Steven Martinez

MPAC's Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati and Southern California Government Relations Director Aziza Hasan recently met with the new Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Steven M. Martinez in Los Angeles. During the meeting, both MPAC and the FBI agreed that in the interest of public safety and civil rights, it is important to keep communication lines open.

"Disengagement should never be an option," said Al-Marayati. "We are pleased to hear that the FBI sees value in engaging the Muslim community on a plethora of issues that are not limited to national security, fraud, cyber-crime and identity-theft."

"Muslims are no more and no less responsible than any other citizens for keeping our communities safe," said Mr. Martinez.

Prior to his move to Los Angeles, Mr. Martinez spent three years heading the FBI's Las Vegas office. When we spoke to Muslim community members like Khaled Khan about their experience with Mr. Martinez, they spoke very highly of him and his accomplishments. While there, Martinez and his FBI team, engaged the community on a number of issues and worked together to successfully un-foil a fraudulent Halal meat scam.

Experienced with working hand-in-hand with community groups, Martinez expressed interest in pursuing the same type of approach in Los Angeles.

"We plan to continue to expand on our work with the Multi Cultural Advisory Committee," said Special Agent Alonzo Hill.

Formed in May 2004, the MCAC mission "endeavors to create an environment to facilitate dialogue and enhance the relationship between the FBI and the Community which is based on mutual respect, understanding, and the protection of Constitutional rights and civil liberties."

- Aziza Hasan (aziza@mpac.org)
Southern California Government Relations Coordinator