Baca said that Asad helps establish a bridge of trust between Muslims and police. "It doesn't surprise me that the LAPD would reach out to Qazi and give him a chance to continue his work," the sheriff said.
About two years ago, Asad joined an advisory panel for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that included representatives from the immigration service, Border Patrol, FBI, L.A. County Sheriff's Department and LAPD. That's where he and LAPD leaders first talked about Asad becoming involved with the force.
"I asked, 'How do I become a chaplain?' " he recalled. " 'What are the requirements?' "
Like other candidates, Asad underwent an extensive background check that included fingerprinting, a review of his finances and employment history, and an interview with the department's senior chaplains.
LAPD leaders view Asad's chaplaincy work as an extension of his previous roles with law enforcement. Although chaplains are expected to serve in a nonsectarian capacity, LAPD authorities said they believe that Asad could be a source of information for officers curious about Muslims and their religion.
"Officers don't know about Islam or Muslim communities in Los Angeles. He's going to be a person who can educate them to that," said Lt. Mark Stainbrook, who oversees community outreach for the department's counter-terrorism and criminal intelligence bureau.
Some Muslim religious and civic leaders who belong to an LAPD Muslim advisory panel grumbled privately about not being consulted about Asad's selection, although they did not take issue with him. LAPD officials said that Asad applied for the post on his own, and that the department generally does not run chaplain appointments by outside advisory groups.
Even those Muslim leaders who voiced some disappointment with the process, however, said they believed that Asad's appointment would help nurture an emerging relationship with the Police Department.
"The position needs someone who has the basic knowledge and skills to bring people together, especially someone who understands the culture and nature of law enforcement," said Hussam Ayloush, Southern California executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "I think Mr. Asad has such abilities."
Asad will spend the next six months working under two senior chaplains in the North Hollywood station. .
Asad said he intends to wear traditional clothing when appropriate -- for example, when presiding at the funeral of a fellow Muslim. But he expects to show up most often in suit and tie.
He acknowledged that officers may be surprised to see him in their station.
"It will take time for them to adjust," he said. "I have to earn my stripes."
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duke.helfand@latimes.com
