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Amandeep Singh became a reserve deputy with the Yuba County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday. (photo credit Chris Kaufman/Appeal-Democrat |
For almost a decade, Amandeep Singh has been working to allow Sikhs to become law enforcement officers while still being able to wear the traditional turban and keep an unshorn beard.
Last Tuesday, Singh, 25, of Yuba City, achieved another step and became a sworn reserve deputy with the Yuba County Sheriff's Department.
"When I got the phone call saying that I had passed the test and got hired, I was speechless," Singh said. "I was finally able to start pursuing my dream and the career that I've always wanted."
In 2012, Singh testified at a hearing in support of Assembly Bill 1964, California's Workplace Religious Freedom Act. The bill passed, and Singh credited the Sikh Coalition for assisting.
"I'm hoping it'll mean a lot for the Sikh community to show that everything has changed and if they want to go into law enforcement, they can," said Singh, who is concurrently studying at the Yuba College Police Academy.
Undersheriff Jerry Read said he and the department understand Singh's desire to become a career law enforcement officer and made concessions to accommodate him.
"We had to modify our hair regulations because we don't allow facial hair, but we made an exception because of his religion," said Read. "He understands that it's a safety concern, so we met in the middle."
Singh said he has a turban that's the same color as the hats Yuba County deputies wear and will tie it in a more compact way to accommodate the department's safety concerns.
"With the beard, I put gel on it and tie it so if I get into a fight, no one can get at it so I'm not putting any other deputies at risk," said Singh.
Singh said recently he and the full-time deputy he was riding with stopped for gas, and one of the convenience store clerks recognized him.
"When the clerk recognized me, she got emotional and thanked me for getting the law passed," Singh said. "She was really appreciative of what I was doing."
Singh said he was also pleased to hear a couple of other Sikhs in law enforcement benefited from his efforts.
"The Milpitas Police Department hired a Sikh officer, and a correctional officer with Yolo County is now able to wear his turban and keep an unshorn beard," said Singh. "To me, it didn't matter if I was the first one; I just wanted to see results."
Singh said he couldn't have done it without the support of his family.
"I told myself even if I have to fight for this until I die that I would do it," he said.
Related story:There is Now Turbaned & Bearded Police in California