Scotland Yard celebrates 50th anniversary of its first Sikh female officer

On Monday, Scotland Yard celebrated the 50th anniversary of the joining of its first ever South Asian and Sikh female police officer Karpal Kaur Sandhu. Police Constable (PC) Sandhu served the Metropolitan Police in London between 1971 and 1973.

Today we join forces across the country to honour and observe the 50th Anniversary of PC Karpal Kaur - The first Sikh female to have joined policing in 1971, who inspired the generations that followed.
Thank you @MPS_SikhAssoc for hosting this event.#policeofficer #sikh #woman pic.twitter.com/tPMGVXhPGW
— National Sikh Police Association UK (@nspauk) February 1, 2021

The virtual celebration was organised by the National Sikh Police Association UK and the Met Police Sikh Association.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of PC Karpal Kaur Sandhu joining the Met, the first female Asian police officer in the UK.

”Karpal was an invaluable ambassador who helped break down barriers." - Ravjeet Gupta, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Sikh Association. pic.twitter.com/0tSZS3DpEd
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 1, 2021

PC Sandhu was born to a Sikh family in Zanzibar, East Africa in 1943 and came to the UK in 1962. She subsequently worked as a nurse at Chase Farm Hospital before joining the Metropolitan police force at the age of 27 in 1971.

Privileged to speak at this memorable event today. PC Karpal Kaur Sandhu broke barriers both in the Met Police but also as a young member of the Sikh community being the first Asian female officer. A beacon and role model for young women globally @sikhassembly @KangManjit @GSW_D https://t.co/yYPURoV9JL
— Paramjit Kaur (@ParamjitKM) February 1, 2021

She served at Hornsey police station before moving to Leyton in east London.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mets first female Sikh officer. Such an inspirational event marking women in policing. Pioneering the steps for all women to have the career they aspire to have. @WHN_BfdDistrict @WYP_BAWP @nspauk @womenzonecc @womens_indian #policecareers pic.twitter.com/vyNH9I00Ij
— BD Stronger Team (@WYP_SaferBD) February 1, 2021

Sandhu’s bright career was brought to an end very early when she was killed by her husband during an altercation in 1973 at the age of 30. Her husband was reportedly opposed to her choice of career and was given life imprisonment for her murder.