Dearborn Heights police officers can now wear badges featuring Arabic text alongside English, making the Michigan department the first in the country to add the foreign language to official uniform patches.
The department said Wednesday that Officer Emily Murdoch designed the optional patch, which shows the Michigan seal encircled by “Dearborn Heights Police” in both English and Arabic. Officers are not required to wear it. (RELATED: Party Rift Ain’t Over: Pro-Palestinian Protesters Make More Demands Of Democratic Party)
“We are proud of Officer Murdoch’s creativity and dedication in helping our department better represent the people we serve,” the department wrote on Facebook. “Our officers proudly serve all members of our community, and this new design is another way we continue to celebrate the rich cultures that make our city unique.”
Census data shows that residents of Middle Eastern and North African descent made up 39% of Dearborn Heights in 2023. In nearby Dearborn, the share was 55%, according to Fox 2 News.
“[Murdoch] designed it to reflect and honor the diversity of our community – especially the many residents of Arabic descent who call Dearborn Heights home,” the department’s Facebook post continued. “By incorporating Arabic script alongside English, this patch represents unity, respect and our shared commitment to service.” (RELATED: ‘Keep Your Dirty Books In The Closet’: School Removes Multiple Books Following Muslim Community Complaints)
The department restricted comments on its Facebook post announcing the design.