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Photos: Courtesy, Victoria Police

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Victoria's Crown

by MANPREET KAUR SINGH

 

 

History was recently created in the state of Victoria (Australia), when Constable Amitoj Singh became the first ever turbaned Sikh to join its Police force in March 2011.

Superintendent Bob Hill summed it best when he said: "Constable Amitoj Singh's graduation is a great milestone for Victoria Police".

On his part, Amitoj was proud and humbled by the moment, when his wife Ivneet, their son, Japneet, and many members of the Sikh community joined his graduation ceremony.

"This is my top achievement so far," said Amitoj, "Its with Waheguru's grace, the blessings of my family and the support of my wife that's made all this possible".

Constable Amitoj Singh underwent a training period of 23 weeks at the Police Academy prior to graduation, describing the process as "challenging, testing, learning, at times full of joy and sometimes full or sorrow".

Calling it "an emotional roller coaster", Amitoj was at pains to emphasise the level of professionalism and camaraderie at the Academy and how he "was welcomed with open arms by one and all. I'm only a very junior member of the Police force, I have a long way to go and a lot to learn. Yet at every step, I was encouraged and inspired by my seniors and peers to achieve my best."

In fact, he was adjudged the best cadet in his squad, and was honoured for his academic achievements.

I joked with him that he would now always have to be in his best behaviour because of the huge reputation
he'd always have to live up to. Amitoj answered spontaneously," Yes, I know there are great expectations I have to live up to. But throughout my life, whenever I've needed guidance or help, I've always turned to Guru Gobind Singh ji and he has never let me down. I will just continue to do the same".

Talking about his personal background, 32 year old Amitoj said, "I was born into a Sikh family in Ludhiana. My father is a doctor/ artist and my mother, a housewife. I have two sisters, and was married to my beautiful wife 7 years ago. We have a baby boy who is 19 months old. I came to Australia nearly five years ago, working my way up in Coles Express, starting as a customer service operator, then Assistant manager and finally Store manager for three years before I thought of joining Victoria Police".

In recent times, there has been a push to include members of all cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds into law enforcement roles across Australia. Although Victoria Police had previously inducted members of Sikh background into its cadres, none of them wore turbans.

In September 2010, the Victoria Police Uniform Appearance and Advisory Committee (UAAC) endorsed a recommendation from the People Department for the development of a uniform turban and the incorporation of Sikh articles of faith into the uniform standards.

The Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria was actively involved in that process. As an interim measure, Sikh recruits/ members were given permission from the UAAC to wear a turban of their own choice. The uniform turban and incorporation of Sikh articles of faith into the uniform standards was approved by the Uniform Appearance and Advisory Committee in February 2011.

So early this year, the first Victoria Police issue turban came along and Const. Amitoj Singh has now become the pioneer to wear it, saying, "On behalf of the entire Sikh community, I would like to thank Victoria Police for issuing turbans as part of the uniform, because for us, it means everything".

The turban is made from light cotton, with a choice of two fabric weights (Light Voile and Rubia Voile). It is dark navy in colour, matching the police tunic. It can be wrapped as per the member's choice, with ends folded in at the front and back. Up to three turbans (varying in length from six to eight metres) will be issued annually to practising Sikh police members. A metal, numbered hat badge with a vertical pin for insertion at the crest of the turban is proposed for ceremonial use.

The turban would be removed whenever there is a requirement or direction for health and safety reasons to wear protective head gear; a patka would be worn under the protective head gear to symbolise the turban.

"Victoria is now recognised as one of the most multicultural and diverse regions in the world, with residents emanating from more than 200 countries, speaking more than 230 languages and practicing more than 120 religious faiths", says Superintendent Hill.

Not so long ago, a hijab-wearing female police member was included into Victoria Police ranks, which includes members from many countries of birth such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany,
Ireland, South Africa, Netherlands, Pakistan, Canada, United States, India, Greece and Italy, to name a few.

Encouraging other people to join Victoria Police, Superintendent Hill says, ""Victoria Police is committed to creating and sustaining a workforce that is diverse and strongly representative of different cultures, experiences and backgrounds - it is important that our people reflect the community we serve."

I asked Amitoj what prompted him to join the Police force. He responded by saying "It's in our blood. Our people have always protected the country, served the community, fought many wars and dedicated their lives to the nation. I'm just carrying on that tradition".

I further asked him why join Victoria Police, given that in the past few years there has been a great deal of
tension between the Indian community and Vic Pol, at the back of many reports of violence against people of Indian origin in Victoria, especially in Melbourne.

Amitoj responded, "In fact that was a motivating factor for me, that the wider Australian community should see Sikh-Aussies as the responsible citizens they are, as ‘one of them'. There was a growing image of young Indian immigrants as being trouble seekers and it's important we break that stereotype. I think it's important that Sikh immigrants take up positions of responsibility in the community, so that there is an increase in the level of understanding and harmony".

 

[If you would like to hear an interview of Constable Amitoj Singh by the author, please CLICK here.

April 6, 2011

Conversation about this article

1: Kulbir Singh (Canberra, Australia), April 07, 2011, 4:43 AM.

Excellent article, excellent question by the author and very intelligent responses by Amitoj. I am sure Amitoj will shine like the sun ... as his name suggests. Good on him and good on the author.

2: Jaspreet Singh (Melbourne, Australia), April 07, 2011, 7:54 PM.

Manpreet, this is splendid news. This will be a great example and encouragement for our turbaned Sikh youngsters.

3: Harinder (Gurgaon, India), April 25, 2011, 8:53 AM.

Manpreet, many thanks for writing this wonderful article on Amitoj's achievements. May this motivate other Sikhs.

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