In a compelling episode of ScoopOut with Khyati, Punjab’s first women-centric podcast, IPS officer Dhanpreet Kaur, the first woman Police commissioner of Punjab, opened up about her journey, challenges in policing, gender perceptions, and her personal motivations. In February 2025, 2006-batch IPS Officer Dhanpreet Kaur was appointed as the Police Commissioner of Jalandhar. She became the first woman IPS officer to be the top cop of Jalandhar. Interacting with True Scoop MD Khyati Kohli during her podcast called ‘ScoopOut with Khyati,’ she shared that she does not like the tag of 'first woman'. Also, she stated that the uniform is not segregated based on gender but based on competence. Let’s dive deeper into how the conversation went:
“Don't like the ‘First Woman’ tag," says Jalandhar CP Dhanpreet Kaur
Speaking on her historic appointment, Dhanpreet Kaur remarked, “I don’t like this ‘first woman’ tag. It is a fact, but the decision to appoint me was based on professional competence, not gender.” She emphasized that the Punjab Government and the Director General of Police value merit and performance above all. "The decision makers did not think to make such criteria about a woman or a man. It is all based on professional competence," said CP Dhanpreet Kaur.
Misconceptions about policing
IPS Dhanpreet Kaur addressed common misconceptions about the police force. “People think we’re rude, we don’t listen, or we lack empathy. But most public-police interactions last only 2-3 minutes, and that’s where opinions are formed. In reality, 80% of police officers try their best every day,” she said.
Recalling her personal experience, Kaur narrated, "Before joining the services, my only interaction with the police was with one of the lady traffic constables when I used to go to the Gurudwara from my college. Many people are like that; they talk like 'ASI uncle' or Traffic wali aunty.' Even for officers who are continuously doing their duty for long hours, they may sometimes speak in a certain way, and that eventually becomes a generalized conception."
She added that fresh recruits at various ranks are bringing a cultural shift and helping to change these perceptions.
Did Dhanpreet Kaur ever feel any disadvantage of being a woman police officer?
Kaur shared how empowering it feels to wear the uniform. “I feel stronger and more responsible. People feel safer when they see someone in uniform, and miscreants are more cautious. The uniform is empowering for anyone wearing it.”
What kind of complaints does Punjab Police generally get on the women's helpline number 1091?
Reflecting on the calls received at the women’s helpline, Dhanpreet Kaur said most are related to matrimonial disputes or panic situations. But she added a candid observation in which she revealed, “Women today are not just victims—they’re also involved in criminal activities, including drug smuggling and cyber fraud.”
"A few years back, I could not have imagined that women would be arrested for smuggling drugs. Any type of crime, like snatching and (intelligence) fraud cases, women are now involved in these. For instance, cybercrime. In most cases, whoever receives cybercrime calls, the first voice they hear is that of a girl," said Dhanpreet Kaur.
She noted that social and family pressures often lead women into crime. “Many women who smuggle drugs do so because their husbands or sons are already behind bars,” she explained.
Dhanpreet Kaur shares unforgettable & heartbreaking case that she still remembers
One case that deeply affected IPS Officer Kaur involved the kidnapping of a Class 11 student. “The girl was kidnapped from her home when she was about to leave for her tuition. We worked day and night and finally rescued her. The kidnapper was a drug addict. We ensured she received counseling. I still remember how that incident stressed us all—we didn’t want her to be traumatized for life.”
Another impactful case involved a domestic violence survivor who thanked Dhanpreet Kaur years later for standing by her side. "She came to meet me and inform me that finally her in-laws were sentenced in the case. At first, I could not remember which case it was. But the girl followed the case till its conviction. She thanked me for supporting her and standing by her side," narrated Jalandhar CP Dhanpreet Kaur. She also added that she was herself pregnant while she was working on this case.
Parenting and Policing: How Jalandhar CP maintains the balance?
Dhanpreet Kaur acknowledged the challenges of being both a mother and a police officer. “It’s hard. But children need quality time, not constant presence. I manage because of the support from my parents and in-laws.”
Life beyond the badge
Married to another police officer, Dhanpreet Kaur said their shared experiences help professionally. “But we also bond over hobbies. That’s how we adjust," said Dhanpreet Kaur. For the unversed, Dhanpreet Kaur is married to 2006 batch IPS officer Mandeep Singh Randhawa, who is currently posted in Delhi.
IPS Officer Dhanpreet Kaur's inspiration and role model
Kaur credited her success to a host of mentors: school and college teachers, her grandfather (a retired Army man), and her father, who pushed her to prepare for the civil services. “I didn’t even know about the UPSC until he encouraged me,” she admitted. She also acknowledged the guidance of senior officers like Special DGP Gurpreet Deo.
"My grandfather, who retired from the Army, wanted one more family member to wear the uniform. My father supported my preparation for IPS. I was a lecturer teaching at a university. I was not even aware of UPSC or Civil Services. He drove me to this. When I joined the Punjab Cadre, I saw my seniors performing. I feel I am very lucky, as I was very well taken care of in the Cadre. Special DG Gurpreet Deo, ma'am, guided me a lot. Male officers also guided me. I am lucky in that aspect that I always had supporters by my side," said Dhanpreet Kaur, Jalandhar CP.
Did IPS Officer Dhanpreet Kaur face any gender stereotypes?
Commenting on societal biases like “Ye toh ladki hai,” Kaur said, “I was surprised to see a huge response from families of women during police recruitment. Society has come a long way. Now, the presence of women in offices reassures people.”
She admitted to facing mansplaining early on. “I didn’t like it, but I carved out my space. Now, even seniors seek my opinion.”
Dhanpreet Kaur's message to young girls who dream of becoming an IPS officer or a Police officer
Kaur said, "To young girls dreaming of joining the police or civil services, Kaur advised, “Have faith in yourself. You have strengths you haven’t even discovered. Even if you feel like giving up, keep going. Everything will fall into place.”