LAPD’s Downing Discusses ‘Small’ Threat of Prison Radicalization

July 21, 2011


Last week at the LAPD Muslim Community Forum, Deputy Chief Michael Downing spoke about his recent testimony in Washington, DC, at Rep. Peter King’s second hearing on “The Threat of Muslim-American Radicalization in U.S. Prisons.”

At the forum, which was held at the Iranian-American Muslim Association of North America Center, Downing said the threat of Muslim American radicalization in prisons is relatively small; however should still be taken seriously and addressed.  

Durring Downing's King hearing testimony, he spoke about how the Muslim American community would be shocked and dismayed at the cut-and-paste version of Islam known as “Prislam,” which some converts are learning about in U.S. prisons. Downing recommended monitoring reading materials coming into the prisons and addressing the problem of overcrowded and underfunded facilities. It takes one chaplain to meet the needs of 500 inmates; in California it is one chaplain per 1,000 inmates and in Texas it is one chaplain per 2,500 inmates.  

Saadia Khan, MPAC Civic Outreach Coordinator, said that all forms of extremism in the prison system need to be addressed. During the forum, Khan stated, “Muslims around the world have suffered the most at the hands of al-Qaeda, and it is important for Muslims to partner with law enforcement to keep our nation safe and secure while ensuring all policies maintain our civil rights and civil liberties.”

Downing also recognized the hard work of Det. Faiza Arain, who has been closely working with the Muslim American community for more than a year, and in particular with the South Asian community to address domestic violence.  

If you would like to learn more about the LAPD Muslim forums and attend the forum please contact Saadia@mpac.org.

-- Marium F. Mohiuddin
(marium@mpac.org)

Communications Coordinator




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