Israeli police together with leaders in the Arab sector have increased coordination to stem the rising crime levels within that sector. Although the Israeli-Arabs make up only 21 percent of the population, the percentage of Arabs who are convicted of homicide equals 59 percent. The Commissioner General describe this statistic as unprecedented.
Jamal Hakroush is the first Israeli Arab to reach the second-highest rank in the police (deputy commissioner). He is heading up the new police unit aimed at fighting the disproportionate amount of crime within Israel’s Arab community.
According to officials, there has been a significant increase in the number of young Arab recruits joining the police force.
The Israeli-Arab town of Jaljulia has seen an increase in the number of violent crimes involving illegal weapons and drug trafficking. We met with the mayor and residents regarding the need for increased police presence in their and other Arab towns and villages.
The tour included:
A briefing with deputy commissioner, Jamal Hakroush
Attending a class of new recruits at the police training center in Kiryat Ata
Interviews with two Israeli Arab recruits
Visiting the Arab town of Jaljulia and meeting Mayor Fayek Odeh who addressed the issue of crime and the need for more law enforcement in the Arab sector, and also meeting with residents.
Lunch
