Dearborn Heights Police Department’s New Patch Faces Controversy

The Dearborn Heights Police Department in Michigan recently unveiled a new optional uniform patch featuring both English and Arabic script. This design, crafted by Officer Emily Murdoch, aims to celebrate and reflect the city’s diverse Middle Eastern and North African community.

However, the announcement sparked controversy. After the department posted the patch design on Facebook and X, Mayor Bill Bazzi stepped in to clarify that the patch was still in the discussion stage and hadn’t gone through any formal approval process.

Due to significant backlash from residents both locally and nationally, the initial post was swiftly taken down, and the patch has yet to be officially embraced.

It’s uncertain whether the department plans to revisit the patch later on for possible adoption.

On the other hand, some members of the community supported the initiative, appreciating the effort to showcase diversity through the new Arabic patch.

Dearborn, Michigan, has become a focal point for Arab culture, home to both the Arab American National Museum and the largest mosque in North America. With around 110,000 residents, it is noted as the largest Arab-majority city in the U.S. according to the 2023 Census data.

The police department had stated that it was “proud to share a new optional patch that our officers may wear as part of their uniform.” They expressed that the patch aims to honor the community’s diversity, particularly the substantial Arabic-speaking population. The statement emphasized unity and respect by including both Arabic and English scripts.

However, the design quickly drew attention—mostly negative—on social media, with critics declaring it indicative of a cultural takeover.

Media figure Brigitte Gabriel stated, “This is how it starts. Dearborn Heights Police Dept. now has the nation’s first-ever uniform patch in Arabic.” Similarly, Charlie Kirk remarked on the implications of such a design, suggesting that it reflects a shift in community dynamics.

In light of the pushback, Mayor Bazzi reiterated that the patch “was not put forth for consensus or further review.” He addressed the concern by clarifying that the idea had merely been under internal discussion within the department.

“Information about the patch was shared on September 3rd, but it was just a mock-up showing the Arabic translation of ‘Dearborn Heights Police.’ The idea was still being evaluated and had not gone through any official channels,” Bazzi clarified.

Whether this patch will make a comeback in discussions or lead to further community engagement remains an open question.