A nice, steady 9-5 job was what RUPD Officer Gurwinder Singh’s parents had in mind for their son. So Singh attended Rutgers and pursueddegrees in Health Administration and Information Technology. He got a job in the radiology department of Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital. What tugged at the heart of Singh more, however, was a career as a police officer.

A Sikh who wears his articles of faith, including a turban and a beard, was inspired by a Texas officer, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal who was the first Sikh Deputy in the Harris County, Texas Sheriff’s department. Dhaliwal, unfortunately, was killed in the line of duty. “He inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement,” Singh said. 

Singh started the initial process of pursuing a law enforcement career with the police physical test. He was told, however, that he could not do the physical test in his turban.  After some back and forth, Singh reluctantly removed his turban. He completed and passed the test, but was not hopeful about a police career.

Articles of Faith are symbols of one’s commitment to Sikhism. Uncut hair, worn under a turban is regarded as a person’s symbol of holiness and strength, as hair is a part of God’s creation. The beard is part of that symbolism. “The turban represents honor, courage, and spirituality,” Singh said. “We have a duty to serve and protect others. We protect against any type of religious oppression.” Some Sikh’s, Singh explained, carry a kirpan, which is an iron sword, also a symbol of strength. Singh has a tattoo of the kirpan on his forearm. An iron bracelet, which Singh wears on his right wrist, is a symbol of never ending life, but also a reminder to use gentility and restraint with one’s hands.

Much of this—selfless service, protecting others-- parlays with a police officer’s commitment to defend and serve the community, but Singh was running into obstacles because of the articles of faith he openly wears.

After the experience with the physical test, Singh began to look for avenues within the state to change policies regarding Sikhs who wear their articles of faith. Eventually, his efforts did help pave the way for policy changes which now allow Sikhs to display articles of faith and serve as police officers.

In the meantime, however, as a Rutgers graduate, Singh decided to apply to the Rutgers University Police Department and found the chief and his officers more than willing to work with him.

“Captain Q learned all he could about the Sikh faith, and eventually I went through the academy with my articles of faith in tact,” said Singh of Captain Armando Quinones who helped champion his cause. Singh attended the Cape May Police Academy and graduated June 9, 2023.

“He is an intricate part of Rutgers and I wanted to support him,” said Quinones. “We had to learn, too. We were in unchartered territory.” Quinones reached out to the Police Training Commission and started to dialog about what was needed to open doors to Sikh officers.

“I hope we can use Rutgers as a framework for other Sikh officers,” said Singh, who belongs to the New York-based Sikh Officers Association and hopes his story is an example of the positive impact he has on the community. “People are happy to see one of their own,” Singh said. He often approaches other Sikhs on campus and they are happy and proud to see him.

“Chief Cop was very supportive and we pushed the needle and have started opening doors. I hope we have started something amazing for the future and that we leave a legacy here at Rutgers,” Quinones added.

“I am so grateful for him,” Singh said of Quinones.

“Through his willingness to be flexible, remain true to his faith, and embrace the core values of law enforcement, Officer Singh exemplifies the spirit of diversity and inclusion in law enforcement. His success with the RUPD is breaking barriers and paving the way for a more representative and understanding police force,” Kenneth Cop, Vice President Public Safety and Chief of Rutgers University Police Department, added.

Featured in the IP&O Newsletter, July 2024.