History
New Zealand's First Turbaned Police Officer
NEWS REPORT
A young Sikh man taken off a Qantas flight because fellow passengers were afraid to depart with him on board was the trigger which led Amaninder Singh Sandhu to seek a role with the police.
Struck by the fear and ignorance of people regarding his race and religion, he thought that one way to win the trust and confidence of the public was to work for an agency that exemplified those qualities.
In September 2007, Amaninder attended a police recruitment session in Auckland, New Zealand, intending to be an observer. However, Asian Liaison Officer Jessica Phuang encouraged him to join the session. When he raised the issue of wearing a turban as a possible barrier to his joining, Jessica said, "Let's worry about that when we get there."
The turban has spiritual and historical significance and is worn with a great deal of pride by followers of Sikhism. Sikhs do not cut their hair or beards, to demonstrate they are living their lives in accordance with the teachings of their Gurus.
That "can do" attitude first demonstrated by Jessica has typified the subsequent relationship between police and the Sikh community as the question of uniform was considered.
Police needed to ensure that the health, safety and public recognition elements of the uniform were maintained, while Amaninder and the Sikh community wanted to preserve the essential articles of faith necessary to practice the Sikh religion.
Both parties approached the issue with goodwill and a desire to reach common ground.
In December 2007, the Sikh Council of New Zealand presented police with a sample turban, correctly tied for consideration. Police confirmed that the turban was acceptable and the process of developing protocols to govern its use was begun by Inspector Jason Ross and Advisory Officer Jackie Mulligan.
From that point, Amaninder, the Sikh Council, the Police College and Police National Headquarters representatives, including Superintendent Wally Haumaha, Senior Sergeant Iain Saunders, Sergeant Rakesh Naidoo and Kefeng Chu, worked together to find a solution to issues which arose. The understanding and knowledge of all parties grew as a result of this process.
In March 2008, three members of the Sikh Council stayed at the Police College to experience first-hand the life of a recruit. They agreed to solutions to minor problems - for example an acceptable smaller version of the turban for use during swimming training and with the riot helmet.
Amaninder is a trailblazer. He is the first Sikh police officer to wear a turban as part of the New Zealand Police uniform and the first turbaned officer to graduate from the Police College.
The work undertaken to make the turban a part of New Zealand Police uniform has already reaped rewards for other officers.
Constable Jagmohan Singh Malhi, an officer based in Nelson, was able to return to the practice of his faith and adopted the approved turban in September.
The following link is to the HAKA (Maori War Challenge) performed by Sardar Amaninder Singh on his graduation ceremony.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8XZkIs5mYY
[Courtesy: TenOne]
November 18, 2008
Conversation about this article
1: Gurpreet Singh Dhillon (Tracy, California, U.S.A.), November 18, 2008, 6:46 PM.
Even though police officers in India don't have flowing beards, it is fulfilling to see a young Sabat Surat Sikh man in uniform in Newzeland. I hope that more will follow his lead and will break the myth that Sabat Surat Sikh young men can't find jobs in foreign lands. This young man looks stunningly attractive in his uniform.
2: Justine Kenny (Hamilton, Victoria, Australia), November 18, 2008, 11:24 PM.
Good on Amaninder Singh for getting into the police force. I am saddened QANTAS removed him from a flight because of his race/religion. I am a Christian and I wouldn't ask for anyone to be removed - Jesus reached out to everyone. (I regularly look at this sikhchic.com!)
3: Simran Kaur (London, U.K.), November 19, 2008, 2:58 AM.
I think the Sardar look sexy! We need to see more full flowing bearded Sardars in this sort of field. Especially if they get a lot of the 'limelight', they can be excellent role models. C'mon, more Sexy Sardars like these! Well done, Amaninder Singh! Stunning and gorgeous! :D
4: Jagpreet Singh (Turin, Italy), November 19, 2008, 7:19 AM.
It would be an understatement to say Amaninder Singh has done proud to the whole Sikh community. There is a lot more to it that cant be described in words. Amaninder Singh is a smart Sikh with humility as his middle name. And I hope he is going to be strict with his rules and principles at his work too. All the best, Singho!
5: Pallavi Kaur (Sydney, Australia), February 09, 2009, 6:59 PM.
Well done, Aman. Very sad about what you faced in the Qantas flight, but very happy for your achievement. You have made all Sikhs very proud. You look awesome. All the very best!
6: Dharamveer Singh (Mumbai, India), April 28, 2009, 2:04 PM.
Amaninder Singh: my role model!
7: Aman Dhaliwal (Sydney, Australia), May 09, 2009, 6:12 PM.
Hey, Amninder. I am visiting friends here in New Zealand. It was great to see you at the Vaisakhi Celebration. Jessica Phuang was a constant source of guidance and encouragement to me as well when I was in Auckland.
8: Trip McNealy (Auckland, New Zealand), June 13, 2010, 9:39 PM.
The New Zealand Police should not have allowed this to become part of our police forces uniform. I guarantee it if I went to Amaninder Singh Sandhu's country, I would be made to integrate to his society. As he should, if he wishes to live in New Zealand.
9: Srao (London, United Kingdom), August 14, 2010, 4:17 AM.
I think this young man is special as he is able to fulfill his dream with Sikhi pride. He is certainly a role model for other Sikh men and women who wish to keep their faith and still be able to serve their country.
10: Jagdeep Singh Mann (Punjab / Auckland ), November 07, 2010, 2:37 PM.
We are really proud of you, Sardar Amaninder Singh ji.
11: Bill Pratt (Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A.), January 10, 2011, 9:30 PM.
Hey, great job, man.
12: Shahzaib (Pakistan), August 19, 2011, 2:56 PM.
Very good - bohat acchha eh gabru jawan desh Punjab da. Bohat hi waddhia!
13: Sukhjit (Punjab), February 03, 2012, 6:23 AM.
Veer, I'm very proud of you ... smart Sardar!
14: Tanvir Kaur (Auckland, New Zealand), January 08, 2015, 12:13 AM.
A proud, local-born Sikh-Kiwi! A huge role model for our younger generation!