Hamtramck, Michigan has announced Jamiel Altaheri as their new police chief, a move that breaks new ground by selecting the first minority and first Yemeni Muslim American to lead the department. Altaheri, who brings 20 years of experience from the New York Police Department, was chosen to help navigate the city’s diverse demographic landscape, which boasts a significant Arab American and Muslim population. Mayor Amer Ghalib highlighted Altaheri's credentials, stating "After interviewing all the candidates, he turns out to be the one with the highest rank, highest education, most experienced in working with minorities," as reported by the Free Press.
Notably, the Hamtramck City Council was unanimous in their selection of Altaheri out of three interviewed candidates, a decision made following a debate that weighed heavily on diversity and promotion within the police force. The city, which has radically transformed from its Polish-majority roots to primarily Arab American, Asian American, and Yemeni, has been under scrutiny for the lack of minority representation in the police and fire departments. "We've had numerous complaints about Hamtramck Police and the way they treat the Yemeni and Bangladeshi communities," Nabih Ayad, an attorney and founder of the Arab American Civil Rights League, stated back in 2016 according to the Free Press.
Altaheri, who co-founded the NYPD Muslim Officers Society and founded the Yemeni American Law Enforcement Officers Association to combat stereotypes, recognizes the importance of cultural understanding within police work. "I think you need to be a lot more sensitive, you need to understand their culture, their religion," Altaheri told WDET, emphasizing the value of trust built on cultural acknowledgment.
In line with Hamtramck's efforts to diversify its force, Altaheri's appointment is a beacon of progressive change, coming at a time when the city's diverse demographics require a leader who can bridge cultural divides. "Being Muslim, growing up you’re in fear of the police — particularly in my family, they were all scared of the police," Altaheri recounted in a 2021 interview with John Jay College of Criminal Justice, as obtained by the Free Press, emphasizing how his background shaped his approach to policing. Meanwhile, Andrew Mileski will fill the new role of deputy police chief, another move criticized by some but seen as a compromise to respect the department's internal promotion process, the Hamtramck Review reported.
Mayor Ghalib is optimistic about Altaheri and his intent to reside in Hamtramck, forecasting a smooth transition of leadership. Altaheri's academic achievements, coupled with a vast practical experience, seem tailored to the evolving needs of Hamtramck. His educational background spans prestigious institutions like Seton Hall University, Brooklyn College, and the FBI National Academy, qualifying him as more than able to take on the mantle of leadership within a culturally rich city yearning for change and inclusivity.
