Muslim and law enforcement communities come together to host career day at Kingsborough

More Than 600 Children Attended Council of Peoples Organization’s Event

May 9, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Salma Awan and Meryem Jebaro listen to Detective Mohamed Amen speak about careers in law enforcement. Eagle photo by Arthur De Gaeta

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Children ages 13 and up were invited to a career day on Saturday sponsored by the Council of Peoples Organization (COPO), formerly known as the Council of Pakistan Organization. The event aimed to teach the children about federal, state and city agency career opportunities and was held at Kingsborough Community College.

The attendees, more than 600 children, were given the opportunity to meet with members of the New York State Police force, NYPD, the Department of Correction, the Department of Justice, the Nassau County Police Department and the FBI. They were offered demonstrations in finger printing, crime scene investigation techniques and foot printing, among other law enforcement skills.

The children were given the chance to personally interact with a variety of civil servants who offered them advice, encouragement and the chance to learn about exciting new career opportunities.

According to its website, COPO was formed in the aftermath of 9/11. Several business owners in Central Brooklyn responded to the backlash faced by South Asians, particularly Muslims, in the neighborhood. COPO opened its doors on Feb. 1, 2002 to help remedy the situation faced by the affected communities.

It was also a way to help build stronger relations between Muslim and non-Muslim community groups by establishing connections between the communities and various government agencies, the website states.

COPO is supported by dozens of organizations and elected officials, including U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Reps. Yvette Clark and Gerald Nadler and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.