Monroe swears in first police officer of Asian-Indian descent during Asian Pacific American Heritage month

In the first swearing-in ceremony since COVID-19, the Monroe Township Police Department diversified its ranks with its first police officer of Asian-Indian descent.
"Working side by side with the men and women of this department is truly an honor.  It is a blessing and being the first one of Asian-Indian descent is special to me, and I hope the residents of our town as well," said Officer Ritik Bedi.
Bedi has been on the police force in Monroe Township for just a few months, but he is not new to the life of service.
"In high school and in college, I was volunteering and also at a paid status with the Monroe Township EMS, so being in public service through that really inspired me to take the next step to become a law enforcement officer," he said.
Over one-third of the population of Monroe Township is of Indian descent. Bedi, who has roots in Punjab, India, and is fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, wants to bolster positive interactions between law enforcement and the public.
Capt. Lisa Robinson of the Monroe Township Police Department said, "I believe that the department should reflect the community in which it serves."
Robinson hopes to continue to see diversity within her police department, and much of that starts with community outreach.