We are a group of first responders who consider ourselves as protectors of our community. We volunteer our time to meaningful causes and help others in need. We provide programs for crime prevention, educate our youth, and host community meetings regularly. Our unwavering dedication to moral causes and the support of the communities we serve is what sets us apart and makes us effective.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Yasar Bashir
President Emeritus
Assistant Chief Yasar Bashir is a servant leader who established the NYPD Police Fraternal Organization PALS chapter in Houston, where he served as the first president. Today, he continues to work on national PALS community initiatives and foster leadership among officers by guiding them to achieve excellence. His dedication to elevating the police profession is truly remarkable.
He has been a professional law enforcement officer with the Houston Police Department for twenty-four years. Starting as a patrol officer, he has risen through the ranks to perform various roles in patrol command, criminal investigations, and support operations. Currently, he oversees five patrol divisions and the Mental Health Division, which provide services to Houston’s most culturally and socially diverse area. He has a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s in criminology.
His journey inspires us to keep pursuing our goals and to never give up, even in the face of challenges. Assistant Chief Bashir’s leadership extends beyond his law enforcement duties and into the community. He actively engages in community initiatives and has participated in humanitarian missions such as helping flood victims in Pakistan and earthquake victims in Turkey.
Assistant Chief Bashir’s passion for improving the lives of others is evident. He encourages law enforcement officers to become members of PALS and urges community members to support PALS. Joining PALS has the potential to make a significant positive difference in the lives of thousands of individuals around the world.
Amber Khan
President
It is important to have women in leadership roles. Sergeant Amber Khan, a proud American of Pakistani descent, has inspired many in her fifteen years of law enforcement service. She has worked as a human trafficking detective, narcotic officer, and South Asian/Muslim community liaison officer, amongst many other roles. She currently manages a Crime Suppression Team that investigates dangerous offenders who prey on innocent people. In addition to two master’s degrees in social work and hotel restaurant management, Sergeant Khan holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Her mission is to promote Pakistani traditions and culture within the law enforcement profession, and PALS provides her with the perfect platform to empower younger officers and encourage them to give back to society. She is dedicated to mentoring and coaching young individuals who aspire to work in law enforcement.
Sergeant Khan is a highly skilled and motivated individual who finds time to instruct tactical shooting workshops, bake delicious cakes, and volunteer for charitable causes. Her hard work and dedication make her an exceptional leader, and she is a true inspiration to women everywhere.
With her unwavering confidence and determination, she is sure to continue making a positive impact in the world of law enforcement.
Sameer Aziz
Vice President
Officer Sameer Aziz has always been passionate about law enforcement. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was the top marksman in his police academy class. Officer Aziz has developed into a skilled police officer and has been courageously serving as a patrol officer for the last three years.
For Officer Aziz, reducing crime requires cooperation from all members of the community. He believes that strengthening the bond between the police and the community is essential, and he has participated in educational initiatives to achieve this goal. He thinks that PALS is a great opportunity to unite law enforcement and the various neighborhoods in Houston.
As the vice president, Officer Aziz’s objectives include promoting diversity and cultural competence in the police profession. He believes that PALS promotes unity, which in turn builds community trust.
In his free time, Officer Aziz enjoys working out and riding his Aprilia motorcycle.
Ali Abutaleb
Treasurer
Officer Abutaleb is an Arabic-American police officer who has served the community of Houston with pride for five years. He has won numerous honors, including the esteemed 100 Club Officer of the Year Award. He is currently assigned to Patrol Region 3 Command, where he serves as the budget and training officer. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice, having earned a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Officer Abutaleb is firmly committed to improving communication and trust between the police and the Middle Eastern community members. He is confident that PALS leadership and their professional experience can help him achieve this goal. Additionally, Officer Abutaleb plans to work closely with community and police initiatives such as town hall meetings and educational programs to promote mutual understanding and respect.
In his spare time, Officer Abutaleb enjoys expanding his knowledge by exploring a wide range of subjects. His unwavering dedication and commitment to his profession and the community he serves make him a true asset to the Houston Police Department.
Heythem AmrI
Secretary
Sergeant Heythem Amri is an accomplished Arabic-American police officer from Casablanca, Morocco. From an early age, he held two passions – becoming a police officer or a successful professional soccer player. He began his playing career with the professional team Wydad Casablanca Academy, which is part of the first tier of the Moroccan football league.
However, life had different plans for him, and he moved to the United States to be with his family. Soon after, he realized that his true calling was in law enforcement, and he decided to serve his community. He finds immense joy in helping those in need and exhibiting courage in the face of adversity. Scoring a goal in front of thousands of soccer fans could never compare to the satisfaction he feels when he helps someone in need.
With ten years of experience in various capacities, including the Command Office, Gang, Mayor’s Protection Detail, and Crime Suppression Team, Sergeant Amri has proven himself as a capable, reliable, and effective police officer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in Homeland Security.
Proud of his Berber heritage and the achievements of the Arabic and Muslim populations in Houston, Sergeant Amri believes that joining the PALS board will allow him to continue building a safer and more active community for everyone.
And yes, he still enjoys watching and playing soccer! But there’s no doubt in our minds that he made the right choice by choosing to pursue his passion for policing over soccer.
Sohaib Yusuf
Community Outreach
Sergeant Sohaib Yusuf is a firm believer in the value of customs, culture, and public duty. Born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, he migrated to the USA in 2006, driven by his passion for serving the public. His dedication led him to serve in the US Army National Guard and later to join the Houston Police Department.
Throughout his 12 years of service, Sergeant Yusuf has held various positions, including Patrol Region 3 Command, Major Assaults Unit, and Crime Suppression Teams. Currently, he serves as an investigative sergeant with the Internal Affairs Division.
Sergeant Yusuf recognizes the significance of PALS in strengthening the ties between the police and the diverse Houston communities. He firmly believes that more officers from Middle Eastern and South Asian backgrounds will join the police in the future, and PALS will play a crucial role in their professional growth. He encourages everyone to support PALS because the community will benefit tremendously from this initiative.
TRUSTEES
Firas Hamid
Trustee
Officer Hamid is an accomplished American police officer who serves as the Community Liaison Officer to the South Asian/Muslim/Middle Eastern community in Houston. His diligent efforts every day to educate and build trust with the diverse communities he serves have earned him immense respect.
With six years of experience serving Houston in various capacities as an officer, including as a Crime Suppression Team officer, he has investigated violent offenders who prey on vulnerable populations. Officer Hamid holds a bachelor's and master's degree in business administration, which has equipped him with exceptional skills and knowledge.
Officer Hamid believes that PALS assists in the professional and personal growth of officers. He confidently asserts that PALS provides officers with opportunities to engage with and support minority communities. As a trustee, Officer Hamid is fully committed to supporting PALS initiatives and organizing educational programs for the public to ensure a safer community for everyone.
With his exceptional work, Officer Hamid has earned the respect of his peers, and he also possesses a unique talent for the famous Arabic Dabke Dance.
Saman Manesia
Trustee
Officer Saman Manesia embarked on her leadership journey early in her police career. She was elected as the class president by her fellow cadets in the police academy. Officer Manesia's compassionate leadership qualities were evident as she baked fresh cookies for her fellow cadets. She accepted the position of class president with confidence and delivered an inspiring speech during the class graduation ceremony.
Officer Manesia values her family and the community she proudly serves. During her three years with the Houston Police Department, she actively participated in numerous community education initiatives. She strongly believes that the youth is the starting point for a better future. Her two bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and education enabled her to connect with young people effectively.
As a PALS trustee, Officer Manesia is committed to breaking down negative barriers in the community against the police. She wholeheartedly believes that the city's safety is impossible without the presence of female law enforcement officers. She is dedicated to helping PALS achieve its mission of encouraging more women to pursue careers in law enforcement.
Officer Manesia is confident in her ability to make a difference in the community through her leadership and commitment.
Shamreen Ismail
Trustee
Officer Shamreen Ismail exemplifies the power of compassion and service. Her unwavering belief that every individual has two hands - one to help themselves and the other to help others - has inspired her to pursue a career in law enforcement and actively engage in volunteer work from a young age.
With three years of experience serving with the Houston Police Department and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Officer Ismail continues to selflessly serve her community. Her commitment to listening to the concerns of citizens and participating in community service exemplifies the impact of police service and leadership in society. As a Pakistani American Officer, Officer Ismail perceives PALS programs as the best approach to giving back to the community..
Her journey of public service is an inspiration to many, and she fervently believes that every effort made has the potential to create a brighter, more compassionate world.
OUR IMPACT
MISSION TO TURKEY
PALS’ actions serve as an inspiration to us all to step up Read More
MISSION TO PAKISTAN
Pakistani officers from NYPD and HPD took it upon themselves to travel Read More
RAMADAN IFTAR
PALS has taken an admirable initiative by sharing bread with Muslim HPD Read More