The Dearborn Heights Police Department in Michigan is under fire after it unveiled an optional uniform patch featuring Arabic alongside English, marking the first U.S. police patch to incorporate the language.
The design also includes the state seal and allows officers to decide whether to wear it, reflecting the city’s sizable Arabic-speaking population.
Officer Emily Murdoch, who designed the patch, said it was intended to honor the city’s cultural diversity.
Department officials described the initiative as promoting “unity, respect, and shared commitment to service,” emphasizing that the optional nature ensures officers maintain flexibility while recognizing the community’s heritage.
The patch spells out “DEARBORN HEIGHTS” and “POLICE” in both English and Arabic. Officers may adopt the new design or continue wearing the traditional uniform.
The department emphasized that participation is voluntary and intended to respect individual choice while acknowledging cultural representation.
In anticipation of criticism, officials restricted public comments on social media, and the backlash became so severe that the department ultimately removed the Facebook post, Resist the Mainstream can confirm.
Dearborn Heights borders Dearborn, which has a larger Arab-American population and has previously drawn national attention for political activism and statements seen as anti-Israel.
City leaders say sensitivity and inclusivity are necessary in local governance and law enforcement outreach, BizPac Review reports.
The controversy is set against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Dearborn.
In early 2024, a Wall Street Journal op-ed referred to the city as “America’s jihad capital,” prompting widespread condemnation and a reported increase in Islamophobic incidents, as highlighted by The Guardian.
Local leaders responded by calling for greater cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
The city is in Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D), a member of the progressive “Squad.”
Tlaib has faced scrutiny for promoting the slogan “from the river to the sea,” which opponents interpret as hostile toward Israel.
Several Republican officials quickly criticized the patch.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) posted on social media that such initiatives could serve to normalize Sharia law in the U.S.
“They said their goal was to bring sharia law to America. You should’ve believed them. Pray for Michigan,” Fine wrote.
Law enforcement leaders maintain that the patch’s primary purpose is to strengthen community engagement.
The department said it continues to prioritize trust-building between officers and residents of all backgrounds while maintaining professional standards, according to Fox News.
The optional patch has sparked broader discussion about language and representation in policing.
Advocates view it as a step toward cultural inclusivity, while critics warn that incorporating a non-English language on uniforms could politicize law enforcement or create division.
As the department evaluates public response, officials stress that professional standards will remain consistent regardless of which patch officers wear.
The initiative reflects a growing trend among U.S. police departments to recognize cultural diversity while balancing neutrality in public service.
Leaders say the program will continue to be monitored, with the goal of ensuring the patch supports positive community relations and does not compromise the uniform’s professional integrity.
By keeping participation voluntary, Dearborn Heights aims to celebrate diversity without mandating changes for all personnel.
