Manmeet Colon, an Indian-origin Sikh, has become the first assistant police chief of Connecticut’s New Haven city. She is the first Indian-American and second female assistant chief of color to hold the top position in the department.

The Board of Police Commissioners in New Haven approved Colon’s appointment unanimously, who was previously a lieutenant in the internal affairs office. Colon hopes that her appointment inspires others from similar backgrounds to pursue careers in law enforcement.

She believes that her family values and traditions will help her bring a lot to the table. In her tenure with the New Haven Police Department, Colon has worked in various units, including patrol, special victims unit, and internal affairs division. Police Chief Karl Jacobson believes that her appointment will inspire more women to join the New Haven Police Department, which is currently 17% female.