In this episode of AfterHours with All About Eve, Bani Anand sits down with Laxmi Singh, the trailblazing Commissioner of Police, Gautam Buddh Nagar, to discuss leadership, resilience, and the evolving nature of policing. From being an engineering gold medallist to choosing the Indian Police Service, Laxmi Singh talks about her unwavering dedication to justice. She opens up about the immense responsibility of her role—how each day is measured by impact, the challenges of distressing situations, and why continuous learning is crucial. Laxmi Singh reflects on how sociology shaped her understanding of society and why critical thinking is essential in governance. The first woman to become a Commissioner of Police in Uttar Pradesh, Laxmi Singh discusses the personal sacrifices of law enforcement, the dilemmas of high-stakes roles, and how upholding justice often invites resistance. The police chief of Noida also discusses the shift from incident-centric to victim-centric policing, the importance of community trust, and how policing must evolve beyond authority to support and safeguard citizens. She highlights how technology and analytics aid in crime prevention, from tracking hotspots to modernising law enforcement. Bani, a long-time Noida resident, reflects on how the city has become safer, with Laxmi Singh sharing how small changes—like installing light bulbs at underpasses—reduced crime. Being a pioneer in a profession riddled with danger, we ask Laxmi Singh why women are always asked "balancing work and life". While sharing her thoughts, the top cop recalls a touching moment when her daughter said she wanted to be a policewoman like her.The podcast also touches on gender and leadership, with Laxmi Singh recalling how she overcame scepticism and earned the respect of her team. She breaks down crime patterns, explaining how counselling and early intervention can prevent first-time offenders from becoming hardened criminals. Initiatives like Mission Shakti have helped young men correct their behaviour before it is too late. To wrap up, a fun rapid-fire round sees IPS Laxmi Singh suggesting “punishments” for social nuisances—what should happen to those making reels in the metro or driving on the wrong side? Her witty responses will leave you entertained and thoughtful. Timestamps(00:00) Episode begins(02:43) What is everyday life like for Laxmi Singh?(03:38) When she feels she hasn’t accomplished what she intended(05:00) From engineering and an MA in Sociology to joining the IPS and clearing the UPSC exam(07:57) On reading and why it is important(09:17) Three books Laxmi Singh would recommend(12:07) The cost she has paid to reach where she is today(14:19) Threats for doing good work(15:23) How the police chief of Noida manages work-life balance(17:53) On why women are often asked about work-life balance(20:44) How does her daughter feel about who she is today?(23:20) Introducing daughters to two different worlds(28:30) How the police commissioner detaches herself from the crimes she witnesses(31:22) On comprehensive policing(32:53) How Laxmi Singh's leadership style has evolved over time(37:51) How much of her policing is analytical and predictive versus instinctive(41:10) How she stopped crime in Noida’s underpasses(43:42) Have her juniors ever felt uncomfortable reporting to a female boss?(47:19) How she categorises criminals(49:52) On Mission Shakti Phase 1(52:04) How does Laxmi Singh unwind AfterHours?(54:56) Game: What punishment would Laxmi Singh give?