Sikh Officers Help Meet the Needs of the SIKH COMMUNITY
By : Ruben Chavez Chief of Police , Livingston Police Department
The City of Livingston is located in the rich agricultural valley of Merced County . Almost 20 % of the residents are Indian from the State of Punjab in Northern India . Many are drawn to the San Joaquin Valley as it mirrors much of the agricultural area in their native state which has been described as the bread basket of India . The State of Punjab is also the home to Sikhism which is the religion of the majority of the Indian population in Livingston . Almost 250,000 Sikhs reside in California , half of the national population in the United States .
Unique cultural and religious practices of Sikhs include the five articles of faith , the Kesh is their uncut hair , the Kangha , a wooden comb , the Kara , a bracelet on their right wrist , the Kachehra , a religious undergarment , and the Kirpan , a curved knife worn on them . The Kirpan has caused some concern for the schools which , by state law , do not allow knives on their campuses . A solution has resulted in the Kirpan being sown into the child ’ s clothing so it is not to be easily accessible . Many of the cultural practices also require that anyone entering the Gurdwara , or Sikh church , to cover their heads and remove their foot wear . This practice should be respected by any police officer as well , during those times they may need to enter the Gurdwara as part of their duties .
The Sikh community is very outgoing and inclusive within the City of Livingston ; however it is very close knit and participates in many celebrations and activities within their culture , which may not be known by other members of the public . These festivals include the Diwali , Nagar Kirtan / Hola Mohalla , and Vaisakhi , which draws
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