Gurpreet Kaur Deo: Breaking Barriers in Indian Law Enforcement

Punjab Outlook Bureau

Gurpreet Kaur Deo has made history as Punjab’s First woman in the rank of DGP currently posted as Special DGP Community Affairs Division, marking a significant milestone in Indian law enforcement. Her journey from a daughter of an Army officer to the highest-ranking police official in Punjab is a testament to her dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Early Life and Education
Born in 1968 in Punjab, India, Gurpreet Kaur Deo grew up in a family of educationists and Army officers. Her father, Col JS Deo, served in the EME corps of the Army, while her mother Rajwant is a homemaker. Gurpreet studied in Kendriya Vidyalayas in various cantonments, including Delhi and Secunderabad. From an early age, she displayed exceptional academic talent and harbored dreams of becoming a civil servant.

After completing her secondary education, Deo pursued a BSc Hons in Biophysics, graduating from Punjab University Chandigarh in 1989. She then obtained an LLB degree from the same university in 1992, laying the foundation for her future career. In 1993, she joined the Indian Police Service (IPS). Beyond her professional pursuits, Gurpreet is an avid sportsperson and enjoys playing badminton and golf.

The Path to the Indian Police Service
Driven by her ambition to serve in the civil services, Deo prepared for the highly competitive Civil Services Examination while pursuing her LLB from Punjab University. Her tireless efforts paid off when she secured an All India rank of 72, making it to the prestigious Indian Police Service (IPS). At the age of 26, she was selected for the IPS in 1993. Allocated to her home cadre of Punjab, Gurpreet became the first woman IPS officer of the Punjab cadre.

A Distinguished Career
In the initial years Gurpreet served as SSP in the districts of Ludhiana, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur. She also served on deputation in the National Commission for Women, New Delhi as Deputy Secretary. Later, she served as DIG, Border Range and IGP, Jalandhar Zone with distinction.

Her other postings have been IGP, NRI affairs ADGP Special Task Force, ADGP Crime & ADGP Administration . In each role, Deo’s performance was marked by efficiency and skillful handling of complex responsibilities. Her ability to manage large teams, navigate critical challenges, and create impactful change has earned her respect within law enforcement circles.

International Outreach
In her official capacity, Deo visited several cities in North America and the United Kingdom. She organized meetings in Los Angeles, Fresno, Milpitas, Dallas, and Birmingham in coordination with the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) to address issues and concerns of the Punjabi Diaspora. Accompanied by then ADGP S.K. Sharma, Deo personally recorded the concerns of individual victims. Upon returning to Chandigarh, she reviewed all cases and provided updates to NAPA, indicating which cases were resolved and which were still in process. This initiative brought great honor to the entire police department and demonstrated Deo’s commitment to serving the Punjabi community both at home and abroad.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling
In 2023 , after a career spanning 30 years , Deo was promoted as DGP and posted as Special DGP Community Affairs Division & Women Affairs. This historic appointment not only recognizes her exceptional service but also paves the way for greater gender diversity in top law enforcement positions. As DGP, Deo has placed a strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and community engagement, promoting initiatives aimed at building public trust and enhancing safety.

Awards and Recognitions
Deo’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to law enforcement, including:
-President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
-Police Medal for Meritorious Service
– Recognitions for her work in combating narcotics and improving women’s safety in Punjab
Her commitment to justice, especially in protecting the vulnerable, has been widely praised, and she is seen as a reformist leader determined to modernize the Punjab Police.

Champion of Women Empowerment
As a pioneering woman in law enforcement, Deo has been an advocate for gender equality in the police force. She has actively worked to create a more inclusive environment, encouraging more women to join the force and rise through the ranks. She has been a mentor to many young officers, promoting the idea that leadership is not bound by gender.

A Role Model for Aspiring Officers
Her challenging journey to the top echelons of the police service serves as an inspiration to many, especially young women aspiring to careers in public service. Her story exemplifies how dedication, hard work, and perseverance can lead to breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success.

In addition to her groundbreaking role, Deo is known for her humility, sense of responsibility, and her unwavering commitment to justice. As Punjab’s first woman DGP, she continues to lead by example, demonstrating that gender is no barrier to excellence in law enforcement and public service. She has transformed countless lives and inspired future generations of officers, both male and female, to aim for excellence in serving the nation. •