NSW Police Commissioner welcomes Muslim Shaykh into Chaplaincy

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione attended the investiture of a Muslim shaykh into the NSW Police Force Chaplaincy today at Fairfield Local Area Command.

The ceremony, which was also attended by the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammad, and other senior police officers and community leaders, confirmed the appointment of Shaykh Ahmed Abdo as the Police Force’s Muslim cleric.

He succeeds the late Sheikh Khalil Chami, who passed away in 2011.

In his role within the Chaplaincy, Shaykh Abdo, 34, will assist NSW Police officers and non-sworn officers of the Muslim faith in critical and traumatic events, as well as provide counselling regarding personal and moral problems relating to work, marriage, relationships and family.

He will also be called upon when required in the preparation and celebration of marriages and other religious services.

“I wholeheartedly welcome Shaykh Abdo to the family of the NSW Police Force. His investiture further cements the strength of this multi-faith, multi-cultural organisation, and I am sure that he will make a substantial contribution to those who call upon his wisdom and guidance,” Commissioner Scipione said.

Shaykh Abdo holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology, Sydney, and received his religious studies in Andalucía, southern Spain, and in Yemen.

In 2002, he was selected by the NSW Premier’s Department to be part of the Youth Partnership with Arabic Speaking Communities, and was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his role in the program.

His role in the Chaplaincy will also entail:

- Hospital calls and house calls in cases of illness.

- Perform or attend police funerals and assist families in time of bereavement, if appropriate.

- Involvement in all levels of police training.

- Assignment to various police functions to offer prayers.

- Supporting police officers at emergency situations and at the scenes of disasters.