LAPD's Muslim plan facing criticism

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Muslim activists and civil libertarians have criticized a plan by the Los Angeles Police Department to map area Muslim communities, it was reported Saturday.

With his department's plan facing stern criticism, LAPD Chief William J. Bratton attempted to downplay any allegations of profiling local Muslims, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"This is not ... targeting or profiling," Bratton said Friday. "It is an effort to understand communities."

While police had hoped to define and then reach out to Muslim communities with greater potential for extremism, some area Muslims have suggested having an increased police presence could ultimately have a detrimental effect on the fight against extremists.

Mohammed Abdul Aleem, a 49-year-old Muslim from nearby Culver City, said the plan would likely only encourage more Muslims to join extremist groups through its intrusive efforts.

"It's making it harder and harder for the moderate Muslims," he told the Times.