From IT to policing: Karamjeet Karam’s path to the Regina Police Service

In her acceptance speech at the inaugural Bow Valley College Alumni Awards on May 20,2026, she shared: “My journey to policing has been one of resilience, determination and believing in myself even when others did not.”

When she moved from India to Canada in 2015, those doubts stayed with her, so she initially pursued post-secondary studies in Information Technology. After receiving her permanent residency, however, she knew it was time to work toward her true goal.

To better understand the policing profession in Canada, she enrolled in the Justice Studies Diploma in the School of Community Studies at Bow Valley College in 2022, while balancing her studies with security leadership roles where she gained experience navigating high-pressure situations.

“My experience was really hands-on, and the program itself focused not only on theory, but also on real-world skills that helped me prepare for a career in law enforcement,” she says. “The environment taught me professionalism, empathy, patience and how to treat everybody with respect. Those are the values I still carry with me in my professional and personal life, while working on the streets and helping individuals.”

She quickly found a sense of community at the College, building connections through volunteering and other activities outside the classroom. She also found strong support in her instructors, who took the time to guide and encourage her along the way—including Kevin Charles, a full-time instructor in the Justice Studies Diploma, who nominated her for the 2026 Emerging Leader Alumni Award.

“She was an amazing student—engaged in her classes, contributing to conversations, supporting her peers—and was respectful to everybody around her,” he says.

During her time at Bow Valley College, her understanding of policing and leadership began to shift. She was introduced to the concept of community policing, an approach that would shape how she worked.

“I truly believe in community policing because there are many ways that you can engage within the community and build strong relationships, but also prevent crime before it happens,” she says.

Puttingvalues into practice

In her final year, she completed a practicum with the RCMP Turner Valley Detachment, gaining firsthand experience in policing through her program. That experience opened doors and helped launch her career.

After graduating in 2024, Karamjeet stepped into a leadership role at Alpha House Society as a Shelter Shift Supervisor. There, she supported individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges, leading crisis intervention and responding to high-stress situations using trauma-informed approaches she developed through her studies.

“It taught me patience, empathy and how to treat people in a very respectful manner because they are human and they deserve respect,” she says.  

Through these experiences, she began to redefine what leadership meant to her. “Sometimes you have to take the lead,” she says. “Sometimes you have to be present and listen actively to others’ problems. So not just leading the community but also being present when they need help. I always aim to be positive and be a role model for others in need.”

In August2024, just weeks after graduating, Karamjeet applied to the Regina Police Service. She progressed through a series of interviews, assessments and evaluations, receiving an offer in April 2025. She completed six months of intensive police training at the Saskatchewan Police College and graduated in December 2025.

Today, she serves as a constable with the Regina Police Service—an early career achievement that reflects her commitment to helping others and supporting the communities she serves.

“As a police officer, I carry not only my badge but also the experiences, sacrifices and dreams that brought me here,” she shared in her acceptance speech. “I hope my journey reminds others that no dream is too big when you are willing to work for it.”

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