Sikh Woman Manmeet Colon Appointed Assistant Chief of Police in Connecticut, US

Manmeet Colon, an accomplished 15-year veteran of the New Haven Police Department (NHPD), has been appointed as the assistant Chief of Police in the state of Connecticut, making her the first Indian-American and second woman of colour to achieve this position. The appointment ceremony was held on March 24th in New Haven, where she was sworn in as the city’s third assistant police chief, joining David Zannelli and Bertram Ettienne in what Police Chief Karl Jacobson calls his “dream team.”

Colon, who was born in Mumbai and moved to Queens with her family when she was 11 years old, has a criminal justice degree from the University of New Haven. As a Sikh woman, she expressed her pride in her heritage, family values and morals, and hopes that her appointment will inspire more individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in law enforcement. “To me, it’s all about being fair and impartial. My background, my morals, my family values and traditions. I feel like I bring a lot to the table. I’m glad there’s a space for me at the table,” she said.

Colon’s appointment to the position is a significant milestone in a profession that has traditionally been dominated by men. She believes that her appointment sends a strong message of inclusivity and diversity in law enforcement, and hopes that it inspires more individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in law enforcement. Her appointment has been widely applauded by her colleagues and community members, who see her as a beacon of hope and a role model for the younger generation.

Prabhnoor Kaur