SALDEF is pleased to announce that it has trained thirty new officers in Bridgewater, New Jersey through our Law Enforcement Partnership Program (LEPP). The event taught police officers about the local Sikh Community and assisted them with ways to collaborate and protect the Bridgewater Sangat.
Jawahar Singh, Paul Sidhu, Meher Sahni, and Kiran Kaur Gill delivered a powerpoint presentation about Sikhism and shared their experiences on being Sikh Americans. Jawahar Singh volunteered to reenact a scenario where he was a Sikh man being harassed and called a terrorist. In the scenario, Singh responded to his harassers by saying that being a Sikh is not equivalent to being a terrorist. Another memorable moment from the event was when Paul Sidhu tied a turban on one of the officers.
About the Program
The LEPP training is critical in building understanding and relationships between the Sangat and their local law enforcement. Over the years we have seen examples of how these relationships not only build respect and understanding but also provide opportunity and growth within the community. If you would like to have SALDEF do a training at your local police or if you would like to become a certified LEPP trainer please contact us at info@saldef.org.