I have spent more than 25 years of my life in this field: Pratima Bhullar Maldonado

USA: Indian-origin police officer Captain Pratima Bhullar Maldonado has become the highest-ranking South Asian woman in the New York Police Department. Recently, she have been promoted.

According to a news report, Maldonado runs the 102nd Police Precinct in South Richmond Hill, Queens. She was promoted as Captain last month. Maldonado, a mother of four, was born in Punjab and lived there until the age of 9 before moving to Queens, New York.

"It feels like coming home. I have spent more than 25 years of my life in this field," Maldonado said. South Richmond Hill is home to the country's largest Sikh community. After coming from the Gurdwara, Maldonado said, "I like going to the same Gurdwara that I went to as a child and now as a captain."

She said, "This is a big responsibility. I want to be a better and better example not only for my community but also for other women and children who see us every day. How they view law enforcement will change their perspective. My father used to drive a taxi for many years. They supported us. He was a hardworking person. He died in 2006 before I joined the police. If they were here now, they would be very proud."