Sikh Police Officer Finds Welcome at Rutgers While Opening Doors for Others

Gurwinder Singh is advocating for statewide policy changes to make law enforcement careers more inclusive for members of the Sikh community

Gurwinder Singh faced hurdles along the way to join law enforcement until he applied to the Rutgers University Police Department, becoming one of the state’s first Sikh officer to wear his articles of faith, including a turban and a beard, on duty.

“I’m with a department that allows me to be an officer without having to sacrifice my religious beliefs,” said Singh, a 2021 graduate of Rutgers.

When he applied for a position at his alma mater, Singh said he found a welcoming environment, especially with Rutgers Police Captain Armando Quinones, or “Captain Q” as known among the rank-and-file, who helped champion his cause with support from Kenneth Cop, vice president of public safety at Rutgers and the department’s chief.

“Captain Q learned all he could about the Sikh faith, and eventually I went through the academy with my articles of faith intact,” said Singh, who attended the Cape May County Police Academy and graduated June 9, 2023. “I am so grateful for him.”

Singh had been working in the radiology department of Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital after earning his degrees in health administration and information technology to fulfill his parent’s wishes. But his desire to pursue a career in law enforcement tugged at his heart.

He was influenced to switch careers by the story of a Texas officer, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal who was the first Sikh Deputy in the Harris County, Texas Sherriff’s department. Dhaliwal was killed in the line of duty.

“He inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement,” Singh said.

Singh faced roadblocks trying to enter a profession that traditionally required conformity in an officer’s appearance until he applied at Rutgers. RUPD accommodated his faith-based requests throughout the application and hiring process, making it possible for Singh to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer.

After accepting the job at the university, Singh entered the academy in Cape May County, a residential training facility that requires men to have close shaved hair as well as be clean-shaven. Tom DePaul, director of the academy, met with Cop, the Rutgers chief, and was able to make religious accommodations for Singh.

“Whatever diversity you can bring the better,’’ DePaul said. “You have to represent the people you are serving and we are starting to reflect the population that is out there in New Jersey.’’

Wearing articles of faith are symbols of one’s commitment to Sikhism, Singh explained. 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.”

Singh was also recently given permission to wear his kirpan – an iron sword which is also a symbol of strength – while on duty. 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 – mirrors a police officer’s commitment to defend and serve the community.

“Sikh’s have a rich history of serving,’’ Singh said. “We stand up for injustices. My appearance shouldn’t hinder me from being able to do that. Our history and religious teaches us to help others.’’

The accommodations were also made with support from the Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, who oversees the county’s law enforcement agencies.

“These accommodations are indicative of the commitment of Prosecutor Ciccone to diversify law enforcement and every law enforcement agency within Middlesex County and the State of New Jersey,’’ said Wayne Canastra, chief of detectives for the prosecutor’s office. “Prosecutor Ciccone welcomes Officer Singh to the very proud and noble law enforcement community.’’

Quinones said the Rutgers chief was proud the department was able to open its door to Singh. Cop worked with multiple agencies and departments, including the Office of Employment Equity at Rutgers, on the process for accommodations.

“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.

Since joining the RUPD, Singh began to look for avenues within the state to change policies regarding Sikhs who wear their articles of faith. He said he is currently working through the RUPD to advocate for a collaboration with other law enforcement entities to develop an official process for Sikh officers to seek the ability to wear their articles of faith on duty.

“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.

“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,’’ Cop, the Rutgers chief, said. “His success with the RUPD is breaking barriers and paving the way for a more representative and understanding police force.’’