First UT woman cop hangs her boots after 42 yrs

Tribune News Service

An 18-year-old girl hailing from Haryana, was the first woman to join the Chandigarh Police as a constable. She served the force for 42 years and retired as an Inspector on Friday. 

Inspector (retd) Geeta Devi Sharma was the first woman to join the Chandigarh Police as a constable in 1974 and was promoted as the first woman Inspector in 2008.

The daughter of a policeman, Geeta’s father motivated her to join the force in Chandigarh. “At that time, serving in the police force was not considered a fit job for women, still I joined the force and became the first woman cop in the history of the Chandigarh Police,” Geeta Devi, who hails from Hisar district, added. 

For Geeta, serving in the  police force was a challenge, but she took the challenges in a positive manner.

“During my career, I served in various wings, including the women’s cell, traffic, police posts, police stations and the airport. I performed all duties with utmost dedication despite the long duty hours,” she added. 

Geeta said her husband and in-laws always supported and encouraged her. 

According to her, the force has undergone a drastic change in the last four decades. “More educated youngsters are joining the police force these days and the officers are also very friendly who understand the problems of women,” she added.