Hong Kong’s first Sikh policeman in decades says family legacy inspired him
Palvinderjit Singh’s great-grandfather and grandfather were part of British military stationed in city, and his father works with Correctional Services Department
Hong Kong’s first Sikh policeman in decades plans to continue his family’s legacy of service, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, who recruited officers of the faith during the colonial era.
Palvinderjit Singh, 27, who was born in Hong Kong, was among new graduates who became constables and probationary inspectors on Saturday.
“As I grew up, I heard a lot of stories about my great-grandfather. He was responsible for recruiting the initial batch of Sikh police recruits, so I wanted to continue this legacy,” he said.
Singh said he would be allowed to don a blue turban with the force’s insignia in lieu of a police hat at work. He would also be allowed to wear a metal bangle, which is a symbol of his faith, and keep a beard.
Sikh Indians were recruited to Hong Kong’s police force from as early as the 1860s. They were allowed to retain their turban without the need to wear a police hat during their service.
Hong Kong stopped recruiting Indian and Pakistani officers from abroad in 1961, according to the website of the Police Museum.