On October 15, 2021, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) hosted a new deputy educational tour at the Qasim Ahmed Multi-Purpose Center in Houston, Texas. The event was organized by the Salaam Reentry Program and aimed to promote community policing in the region. The event brought together police officers, imams, pastors, and ex-offenders, all working towards a common goal.

The tour was moderated by Imam Marvin Muhammad and featured a range of guest speakers, including Islam in Spanish founder Jaime Mujahid Fletcher, HPD Patrol Officer Salim Howze, Islamic Institute at Turquoise Center Executive Director Tolga Celik, Islamic Society of Greater Houston President Ayman Kabire, HCSO Sergeant Donnie Williams, Halal House founder Joseph Clark, and Green House International Church Pastor EA Deckard.

Ex-gang leader Jaime Fletcher shared his experiences growing up as a leader of La Familia and encouraged new deputies to have patience with one another. HPD Officer Salim Howze spoke candidly about his experiences with the police and the importance of quality policing, advising new deputies to treat others as they would like their own family to be treated.

President Ayman Kabire of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston stressed the importance of community involvement and highlighted the society’s efforts to serve the wider community through its clinics, schools, and financial assistance programs.

Sergeant Donnie Williams emphasized the importance of prayer and encouraged attendees to come up with a plan to work together to achieve their goals. Halal House founder Joseph Clark shared his journey from being a repeat offender to liking the police and offered advice to act one's way into a better way of thinking.

In conclusion, the HCSO New Deputies Educational Tour aimed to bring together members of the community to promote community policing and encourage cooperation towards a common goal. To see more pictures from the event, visit the Salaam Reentry Program's website.