Rob Sidhu

Born into a hardworking immigrant family in Mission, B.C., I was raised in Abbotsford,

where I spent my formative years working on the family farm. Instilled with discipline and a

strong work ethic, I joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to pursue a career in

law enforcement.

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While with the RCMP, I specialized in high-risk undercover operations, completing the elite Operational Undercover Training Course (OUT 69). I was embedded in investigations targeting homicides, drug trafficking, and national security threats. However, unlike most undercover operators who return to traditional law enforcement roles, my path took an unprecedented turn—I became deeply entrenched in the world I once investigated. I lived within organized crime for over a decade, gaining an unparalleled firsthand perspective that extended far beyond any police operation.

This experience gave me a rare, dual-sided understanding of the criminal underworld and the justice system. Drawing from my lived experiences on both sides of the law, I advocate for meaningful criminal justice and prison reform. I speak candidly about the urgent need for rehabilitation, restorative justice, and systemic change—focusing on the root causes of crime rather than just its symptoms.

One of my key areas of advocacy is dismantling discriminatory hiring practices that prevent individuals with criminal records from securing meaningful employment. These barriers often trap well-intentioned former offenders in cycles of recidivism despite their genuine efforts to reintegrate and contribute positively to society.

In my book, "Ponytail," I offer an unflinching account of my transformation—from a law enforcement officer to a key figure in organized crime, and ultimately, to an advocate for reform. This memoir reveals the stark realities of that life, the choices that led me there, and the lengthy, challenging road to redemption.
Beyond providing insight into the criminal underworld, "Ponytail" serves as a vital resource for law enforcement officers confronting the psychological and moral challenges of undercover work. By illuminating the mental toll, ethical dilemmas, and identity struggles associated with deep-cover operations, the book seeks to initiate discussions about improved support systems for officers—assisting them in managing the unique pressures of their role before it leads them down a destructive path.

Today, I use my unique perspective to advocate for real change. As the co-host of Obscene Reality, I engage in raw, thought-provoking conversations with experts, former offenders, law enforcement professionals, and reform advocates, challenging conventional narratives and sparking dialogue on solutions that matter.

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 Connect with Rob:

 LinkedIn: @Rapinder “Rob” Singh Sidhu

 Podcast: Obscene Reality

Tune in for an unfiltered look at the evolving criminal justice landscape.