Jamiel Altaheri – Emphasizing Community and Inclusion in Police Work
Author: Jamiel Altaheri
Jamiel Altaheri is a retired law enforcement officer who most recently served as police chief of the City of Hamtramck, a role in which he oversaw everything from community public safety to budgetary and personnel matters. He also made sure department rules were followed and strengthened policing that built trust among a diverse local population, including many immigrants. Having founded the Yemeni American Law Enforcement Officers Association, Jamiel Altaheri worked to communicate closely with Muslim residents and ensured their cooperation in maintaining safe neighborhoods.
Mr. Altaheri previously served the New York Police Department (NYPD) in positions such as sergeant with precinct oversight, deputy inspector, and Office of Equity and Inclusion commanding officer. Patrolling the 32nd Precinct in north Manhattan, he managed a Neighborhood Policing Strategy and Model, while assisting in the development of the Domestic Violence Unit and the traffic safety program. Mr. Altaheri also co-founded the Muslim Officers Society of NYPD during his time on the force.
Mr. Altaheri’s work in Hamtramck included launching an inaugural Youth and Citizens Police Academy. Held in June and July, the academy builds positive communication between law enforcement and young residents, and provides insights into how police work within communities. The dynamic program Jamiel Altaheri envisioned includes field trips, classes, and interactive activities centered on actual police responsibilities and practices
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By Charles Sercombe After absorbing all the events of last year for the past two weeks, it’s now time to consider the “Newsmaker of the Year.” And once again, there are a lot of contenders: Wayne County pulling out of its jail agreement with the city, at a cost of $1.4 million to city coffers; the swing toward the Republican Party by a large bloc of voters here; the closing of St. Lad’s; or former president Trump visiting Hamtramck at a campaign office. You get the drift. In making this yearly choice, there really aren’t any right or wrong answers, but we’re going with one game-changer that continues to play out. And that person is … (dramatic pause, please) … Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri coming on board. His appointment this past year marks a milestone in the city: he’s the first Yemeni-American to fill the position, and, perhaps even more significantly, he was hired from out of state. In the past, Hamtramck’s Police Department always promoted officers to police chief from within the ranks – never from the outside. But things in the department have changed in recent years, including the jettison of old ways and customs. Chief Altaheri came from the New York City Police Department, where he served for 20 years before retiring last year to take his new job in Hamtramck. His hiring followed the retirement of former Police Chief Anne Moise last year. She, too, was a groundbreaker, having been the first female appointed as chief. Altaheri emigrated from Yemen when he was 4 years old, and was inspired to police work after the 9/11 attack on New York’s World Trade Center. Last May, he was officially sworn-in during an outdoor ceremony held in Zussman Park. The event was attended by about 200 people, many of whom came from outside the city. He was given a rock star welcome here. At the ceremony, he told those attending: “I’m really excited to serve this community – this diverse community. … I’m here to serve everyone,” he said. So far, he’s introduced a number of changes and additions to the department, which, in the past, often had a contentious attitude toward accepting new methods. For starters, he began meeting with a number of community leaders, and everyday folks as well, to get to know the community and its concerns. With an easy-going demeanor and a ready grin, the chief has become a one-man public relations department. His presence was an immediate hit among the public, who praised his people skills and genuine concern.
Just ask Susan Briskey, the owner of Suzy’s Bar on Evaline. “He makes people happy and included,” Briskey said. “He goes beyond the call of duty. When he sees a problem, he takes care of it.” As part of his ongoing community outreach, Altaheri established a youth academy to help break down the walls between the department and the public. One concept he introduced to the department, now a staple in most modern departments: using crime mapping to pinpoint where to focus attention. Along those same lines, Altaheri has been a big proponent of bringing in the latest technology to help with crime fighting, but has sometimes had to butt heads with some city councilmembers to secure funding for those improvements. He’s still hoping to get funding for a drone to help in chasing down a suspect on the run or for surevellience. Altaheri has reshaped staffing in the department as well, moving some officers to new duties – again, something that, in the past, would have been challenged by the officers’ union. And the chief made one even more significant addition to the community: himself, meaning that he moved his family into a house here in Hamtramck. The last police chief to live in the city was the late Alex Shulhan. Not only did Altaheri move here, he made a name for himself for being the kind of neighbor we all could only hope for. He noticed his neighbor had a leaky roof, and found out that the homeowner couldn’t afford the cost for a new one. Altaheri contacted a contractor he knew, and presto, the neighbor received a new roof at no cost. When asked about it, the chief was humble. “Sometimes it’s just your words” that make a difference, he said. “Maybe you don’t have the money, but say something; things will happen.” Asked about his experience so far, Altaheri was succinct in saying: “It’s been a great experience thus far since my appointment as Chief and as a resident of this amazing city. I have great neighbors, and made new friends and learned so much about the history and people of Hamtramck.” Short and to the point. However, asked about his police philosophy and plans for the department, Altaheri talked at length. It’s a long overview, so settle in. Here’s what he had to say: “My police philosophy is based on the 4 T’s I call it: Trust, Transparency,Technology,Training. “These are the four major components I focus on to enhance the Hamtramck Police Department. “Since my appointment, I created the first Youth Academy — and our first Citizens Academy will start this month. These programs help build trust between the police and community, while creating a space to promoting understanding and sharing knowledge. “These are ongoing programs that will continue hopefully even when I’m gone. I look forward to the Citizens Academy this month and the second Youth Academy this coming summer. “We have changed the department’s logo (patch) with an image that truly represents our city. All officers will be wearing their Hamtramck Police Department patches on their uniforms proudly. Uniform and professional appearance is important, and a critical step in enhancing the police department. “When I first arrived at the Hamtramck Police Department, none of my executive staff knew their crime statistics, including my Detective Commander at the time, which was very disturbing. “How can you lead investigations without knowing crime data, crime trends patterns within the city? As a veteran of the New York City Police Department, I introduced CompStat — a police management system that uses computer statistics to help reduce crime, and achieve other police department goals. CompStat involves: • Keeping a daily digital record of reported crimes • Reviewing crime trends in weekly meetings • Emphasizing information-sharing, responsibility, and accountability • Improving effectiveness, using timely and accurate information or intelligence to rapidly deploy resources • Using effective tactics, and following up relentlessly
“Thankfully we have witnessed an overall decrease of 10 percent in major crime, with zero homicides, compared to last year, and a decrease in crash incidents and fatalities. “I am very passionate about ensuring the Hamtramck Police Department is transparent with the community. We have built better relations with the community through social media and more engagement, including assigning Luigi Gjokaj as the Business Relations Supervisor and investigator David Adamczyk as the Public Relations Officer. “Also, we post our crime stats and have a weekly CompStat review and Chief’s Corner video podcasts, where we talk about public safety and quality of life concerns. “Technology: we enhanced our Axon system, including the interrogation room. We are still pushing to get a drone, which will help enhance safety in Hamtramck. “We got more license plate readers in the city, and recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Detroit in sharing video intelligence, to help combat auto theft and other crimes. “We also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Highland Park and Detroit Police in sharing resources to combat auto crime within our jurisdictions. “Training: Our officers have received many new training opportunities, including recently training a candidate for the position of Internal Affairs. “Sgt. Nasser Golla is the first graduate of the Internal Affairs program. He was assigned last month as the Internal Affairs Officer, which oversees corruption and police misconduct cases and allegations. “Many of the new officers have received diversity training, and I have allowed other training opportunities to be available to them. “Properly trained officers lead to a more efficient police department. “There were issues with some supervisors in the Police Department. Some, I had to change their tours, and address some of the deficiencies. “Some supervisors thought that they could come to work and just collect a pay check without any input. There was a culture or attitude of entitlement that I had to immediately address. “Some supervisors have been in Hamtramck for over 20 years, and still could not explain to me what their duties and responsibilities were. “That changed under me. Everyone has a clear understanding of what their job and role is now. Positive change requires commitment and courage. The supervisors need to help me lead that change, and, as a department, we have to be self-critical in order to perpetuate effective change.” Well, there you have it. The Hamtramck Police Department has been transformed, and, from what we can tell, will continue to adjust with the times.
Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri received a rock star welcome at his swearing-in ceremony last May. He is the city’s first Yemeni-American to be appointed chief.
Former Hamtramck Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri has reached an agreement with the city of Hamtramck that allows him to resign and receive five months of his salary as severance, his attorney said Wednesday, Oct. 22.
The agreement allows Altaheri, 42, to leave with integrity and preserve his reputation, his attorney, Amir Makled, told the Free Press. His resignation date will be backdated to August, Makled said. He added that some earlier reports that he was fired are inaccurate. Altaheri is considering his future career as he divides his time between metro Detroit and New York City, where he used to live and work.
An immigrant from Yemen, Altaheri was the first minority to lead the police department in Hamtramck, a diverse city with the highest percentage of immigrants among cities in Michigan. Altaheri hired and promoted officers from diverse backgrounds and did extensive community outreach after years of complaints by residents about a nearly all-white police department, which they said was out of touch with the community.
In 2017, city officials said there was maybe only one minority officer in the police department, all city firefighters were white and only three city employees were minorities in a city where white people had been a minority for decades. Four years ago, in November 2021, voters elected Amer Ghalib, the first minority and first non-Polish mayor in the city’s history.
A veteran of New York City’s police department who was the commanding officer of the NYPD’s Office of Equity and Inclusion, Altaheri was named police chief by the council in January 2024. He was sworn in in May 2024 at a ceremony in Zussman Park along with two female police officers. In addition to hiring or appointing minority officers and chaplains from Black, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Yemeni communities, Altaheri hired and promoted women in the department and held the city’s first women officer appreciation night. He also launched a citizen academy and youth academy where residents and youth could learn about the department. Altaheri started the city’s first “CompStat” that uses crime data to identify crime trends in the city to more effectively combat problems. And he added the position of captain to the department.
Meanwhile, former Officer David Adamczyk was secretly recording him at times, later releasing some allegations against the chief that have not been proven in court. Some residents said that racism was behind the backlash against Altaheri.
As part of the agreement, Altaheri will withdraw a counter-claim he filed earlier against the city, Adamczyk and former city manager Max Garbarino, Makled said. Adamczyk and Garbarino, who are white, had earlier filed a lawsuit in June in Wayne County Circuit Court against Altaheri and the city, alleging anti-white bias. That lawsuit is pending, Makled said.
In August, city attorney Odey Meroueh said the city would move to fire Altaheri after a report by Miller Johnson alleged wrongdoing by Altaheri, Adamczyk and Garbarino. The City Council fired Garbarino after the report was released and said the city attorney would handle any possible firing of the chief.
But the agreement said Altaheri will not be fired and instead will voluntarily resign. The City Council unanimously approved the agreement with Altaheri at their Oct. 14 council meeting last week. The agreement says that Altaheri will get his five-month severance sometime over the next two weeks, Makled said.
“We were trying to come to a mutually agreeable resolution,” Makled said in an interview with the Free Press. “We wanted the chief to maintain the integrity. … He’s grateful for the time he spent in the city of Hamtramck. He’s done a lot of good. His reputation was wrongfully sullied by this whole investigation that I thought was done in a way where it didn’t give his version of the facts. The Miller Johnson investigation … was one-sided, but I think the city saw some of the positive things and positive contributions that the chief brought to the city of Hamtramck, and they wanted to have a good resolution with the chief.”
In May, Altaheri was placed on administrative leave by Garbarino as the city launched an investigation. The move led to outrage by some residents who praised the chief’s work.
The announcement of the agreement by Makled came the day before Ghalib was set to testify on Oct. 23 in U.S. Senate confirmation hearings for ambassador to Kuwait. Trump had picked Ghalib to be ambassador in March. Ghalib said earlier that Trump had called him in early October and expressed his support. Ghalib is not running for reelection in the mayoral race; the mayor’s position and three council seats are on the ballot in November.
Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com, X @nwarikoo or Facebook @nwarikoo
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ex-Hamtramck police chief who promoted diversity resigns, reaches agreement with pay
Reporting by Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
Message to Community addressing rumours and misinformation.
I recently traveled to the City of Hamtramck during this pivotal time of political instability, intending to meet with friends, request my resignation documents, and directly address several false narratives and accusations that have circulated. Shortly following my visit, additional rumors began to circulate.
Let me make it very clear: Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch is an incredible leader, and NYC has many strong possible candidates for Police Commissioner, including mentors of mine like Rodney Harrison, Isa Abassi, Benjamin Gurley, Wilson Aramboles, Philip Rivera, and many others who helped shape neighborhood policing and kept New York City a safe and fair place for everyone. That said, I would be proud to serve the City of New York again under the Mamdani administration if given the opportunity. His vision for an affordable, inclusive NYC is inspiring.
There are voices calling NYPD officers to leave; on the contrary, I encourage officers to stay in the NYPD – there’s no career like it. I recently resigned as the Hamtramck Police Chief after dealing with false, politically and racially motivated allegations – that’s part of the price you pay by taking on these roles and facing controversial issues head-on; and, as they say, ‘no good deed goes unpunished.’
I was recruited by the honorable Mayor Amer Ghalib and underwent a rigorous process to get certified by the State of Michigan to serve as the first outsider and minority to lead the men and women of the Hamtramck Police Department. I was given the privilege to help rebuild a police department affected by years of corruption & nepotism, and to promote accountability, diversity, and community trust.
I’m proud of what I have accomplished with the support of the community and police department: introducing the first Youth and Citizens Academies, CompStat, an Internal Affairs program, drone technology, and making historic progress in hiring women, African American, and Asian officers, in addition to updating its police uniform presence and patch to better represent the city and police department.
Thank you Mayor Amer Ghalib, the City Council, HPD members, and the community for your support and friendship. Special shout-out to my friend, retired Lt. Det. Shamsul Haque, for being in the forefront in promoting a positive relationship with the NYPD and incoming NYC administration.
Hamtramck, Michigan — The appointment of Jamiel Altaheri as the new police chief marks a historic moment for the city. Altaheri, a decorated officer with an impressive track record, brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering cultural understanding within the force and the community.
Chief Jamiel Altaheri
A Remarkable Journey
Jamiel Altaheri’s journey began as a first-generation Yemeni-American who emigrated to the United States at the tender age of 4. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of duty and service, leading him to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Rising Through the Ranks
Altaheri’s ascent within the New York Police Department (NYPD) has been nothing short of remarkable. As the highest-ranking Yemeni-American police officer in the U.S., he has broken barriers and shattered stereotypes. His dedication to public safety and community well-being has earned him respect both within and outside the force.
A Diverse Portfolio
Throughout his career, Altaheri has tackled a wide range of assignments. From undercover operations to money laundering cases, he has demonstrated versatility and adaptability. His expertise in homeland security issues has been invaluable in safeguarding the city against threats.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
In April 2023, Altaheri assumed the role of Commanding Officer of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI). In this capacity, he is dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and outreach. His mission is clear: to improve the quality of life for all employees and foster cultural understanding within the community.
Academic Achievements
Altaheri’s pursuit of knowledge has been relentless. He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management from Seton Hall University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Finance from Brooklyn College, and a Certificate of Achievement in Accounting. Additionally, he earned a Graduate Certificate in Policing in a Multicultural City from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Justice from the University of Virginia.
Breaking Barriers
In 2016, Altaheri achieved a significant milestone by graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. He became the first Muslim-American Police Executive to complete this prestigious program. His dedication to excellence and his commitment to serving his community continue to inspire those around him.
A Vision for Hamtramck
As the new police chief, Altaheri brings a vision of community-oriented policing, transparency, and collaboration. His leadership promises to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the diverse residents of Hamtramck.
In addition to his professional achievements, Altaheri is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Liberty University, further enriching his understanding of leadership and community engagement.
The appointment of Jamiel Altaheri represents not only a milestone for Hamtramck but also a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and harmonious future. His legacy will undoubtedly shape the city’s law enforcement landscape for years to come.
When I was first offered the position of Police Chief in a Muslim-majority city with a Muslim-majority council, I thought to myself, This is something new — a Muslim council, a highly respected Muslim Mayor, and I’ll be the first-ever Muslim Police Chief. It felt like a meaningful moment — not just personally, but symbolically.
But as I stepped into the role, I realized I had miscalculated. Despite the outward appearance of shared identity, I was still the minority in many ways. That wasn’t new to me. Throughout my journey in law enforcement and academia, I have often been the first — or the only — Muslim in the room. Titles and demographics don’t always equate to inclusion, shared experience, or understanding.
This realization grounded me. It reminded me that real representation goes beyond presence — it’s about voice, trust, and the space to lead authentically. And it reaffirmed my commitment to paving the way not only for more diversity in leadership, but for deeper inclusion at every level.
In today’s world, it’s easy to be caught up in the idea that strength lies in numbers — that the majority always wins, or that power is defined by how many people stand behind a cause. But the truth is, numbers alone mean little without true unity, purpose, and love at the core.
A community doesn’t need to be the largest to be the strongest. Real power comes from connection — when people stand together not just in proximity, but in heart, vision, and action. When we uplift each other, when we share responsibility, when we care deeply for our neighbors, we create something far more powerful than any statistic: we build resilience.
Unity rooted in love gives voice to the voiceless, strength to the weary, and hope to the hopeless. It’s what turns small groups into movements, and movements into lasting change. So let us not be obsessed with being the majority. Let us instead focus on being united — because unity, not numbers, is where our true power lies.
“قوتنا في وحدتنا”
Chief Jamiel Altaheri continues his outreach in local schools Chief Jamiel Altaheri sharing moments of joy with community
As a 20-year veteran and retired member of the New York City Police Department, where I served in Internal Affairs and as an undercover detective for over six years, then rose up the ranks and led multiple precincts, and was appointed as the commanding officer of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, I have witnessed my share of corruption. However, I have never seen anything like what I’ve encountered in the small city of Hamtramck. Unfortunately, the reality here is that the very people who point fingers and accuse others of misconduct often do so to hide their own wrongdoing and prevent further exposure of corruption.
My case began when I uncovered widespread overtime abuse and timecard fraud. In response, I created a new policy to address and prevent these practices. Unfortunately, those efforts were short-lived, as several city officials were themselves guilty of the same misconduct and criminal behavior.
There must be an independent oversight committee—one with no ties to City Hall—to ensure accountability and to address the ongoing abuse of public resources. It is my sincere hope that independent oversight will be established to restore trust in city leadership and ensure that those who serve the public are held to the highest ethical standards.
As a 20-year veteran and retired member of the New York City Police Department, where I served in Internal Affairs and as an undercover detective for over six years, then rose up the ranks and led multiple precincts, and was appointed as the commanding officer of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, I have witnessed my share of corruption. However, I have never seen anything like what I’ve encountered in the small city of Hamtramck. Unfortunately, the reality here is that the very people who point fingers and accuse others of misconduct often do so to hide their own wrongdoing and prevent further exposure of corruption.
My case began when I uncovered widespread overtime abuse and timecard fraud. In response, I created a new policy to address and prevent these practices. Unfortunately, those efforts were short-lived, as several city officials were themselves guilty of the same misconduct and criminal behavior.
There must be an independent oversight committee—one with no ties to City Hall—to ensure accountability and to address the ongoing abuse of public resources. It is my sincere hope that independent oversight will be established to restore trust in city leadership and ensure that those who serve the public are held to the highest ethical standards.
