DEARBORN HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- The mayor of Dearborn Heights is responding to controversy over a proposed new patch for the city's police department.
A mockup of a patch baring some Arabic script was shared this week by the Dearborn Heights Police Department, leading to a much debate and a bruhaha on social media.
City leaders are now seeking to clear things up, telling the public that no changes have been made to the DHPD patch, and that what what shared was simply a mock-up of a "suggested" redesigned patch that officers could wear on their uniform as an option to the traditional patch.
Fox 2 reported the patch was created by Officer Ermily Murdoc, who designed it to reflect and honor the diversity of the community.
Whatever the intention, many responded to the social media post with anger or hate speech.
In a statement provided to the media and posted to the police department's Facebook page on Friday, Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi said:
“On Wednesday, September 3rd, information was disseminated from the Dearborn Heights Police Department regarding a digital mock-up of the DHPD patch bearing the department name translated in Arabic script. The design mock-up idea showed the words 'Dearborn Heights Police' in both English and Arabic, and was suggested its use would be optional based on the officers’ preference. The patch effort was an internal discussion among some within the police department which was not put forth for consensus or further review.
"Before efforts like this are formally considered and/or undertaken regarding changes to the Police uniform, it is our goal to include multiple PD stakeholders for a larger conversation – ensuring all inputs are included in the discussion and receive equal consideration. As we are one Police Department, each individual’s uniform represents the DHPD as a whole, and therefore merits the review and input of all.
"At this time, this patch addition remains an idea and should NOT have been presented as an official prototype.
"With regard to the outstanding efforts that have been implemented, I am very proud of our Chief and officers who have spearheaded countless community wide initiatives to engage all members of our community, including the first Dearborn Heights Youth Explorers Program and the largest DHPD Night Out event."
The original DHPD Facebook post with the patch image read: "We are proud of Officer Murdoch's creativity and dedication in helping our department better represent the people we serve. 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." That post, along with the comments, has since been deleted.
Census data shows Dearborn Heights' Middle Eastern population was 39% as of 2023. Neighboring Dearborn had a Middle Eastern population of roughly 55% as of 2023.
Requests by a WWJ reporter for interviews with the mayor or police chief regarding this incident were declined.