Manmeet Colon was previously a lieutenant in the Internal Affairs Office, the New Haven

New York: Indian-origin Sikh Manmeet Colon has been sworn in as the first assistant police chief of New Haven, Connecticut. She became the first Indian-American to hold the top post. The board of police commissioners in New Haven unanimously approved the appointment of the 37-year-old colon, who was previously a lieutenant in the internal affairs office, the New Haven Independent reported.

Born in Mumbai, Colon moved to Queens with her family at the age of 11 and studied criminal justice at the University of New Haven. Colon expressed hope that her position as the department's first Indian-American assistant chief would inspire others from similar backgrounds to pursue careers in law enforcement.

In her tenure with the New Haven Police Department (NHPD), Colon has worked in patrol, as a detective in the Special Victims Unit, as a sergeant overseeing the Robbery and Theft Unit, as a lieutenant for Newhall Ville and Dixwell and the District Worked as Manager and most recently as Head of Internal Affairs Department.

Police Chief Carl Jacobson,who recommended Colon, hoped the appointment of an Indian-American would inspire more women to join the New Haven Police Department.

"This is a great day for the city of New Haven, and for the Indian community and black women in the state," Police Commission President Avelice Ribeiro said.