Recruit Amitoj Singh graduates from the Victoria Police Academy wearing the first Victoria Police turban. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun
FIVE years after migrating to Australia, Indian-born Amitoj Singh never dreamed his name would be etched in Victoria's history books.
The 32-year-old is the first police recruit to wear an official police-issue turban.
Constable Singh is among nine force members of the Sikh religion.
Until now, Sikh police members have applied to the force's Uniform Appearance and Advisory Committee for special permission to wear their own turbans.
In September last year, the committee agreed to design a Victoria Police turban bearing the official insignia.
Constable Singh's wife Ivneet Kaur and 19-month-old son Japneet Singh watched proudly as he graduated at the Victoria Police's Glen Waverley academy. The former Coles Express manager said it was a moment of great honour.
"If you go back in Sikh history, founders of Sikh people have been standing up for the rights of communities all the time," he said.
"Back in India, the Sikh regiment is the most prestigious and significant part of the Indian army."
Supt Bob Hill said Constable Singh would be deployed to the multicultural suburb of Endeavour Hills.
"I think it's particularly important that he's deployed to the areas where there's communities of diverse background," Supt Hill said.
"People will have the trust and connection with members like Constable Singh, who have the Sikh background."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/turbanator-amitoj-singh-is-out-to-keep-the-peace/story-e6frf7kx-1226019997202