Born on 12th October 1939 in Khajur Wala village (now in Pakistan), he did his Masters in 1961. He joined the Indian Police Service at the age of 20 in 1961. He chose Mysore State (now Karnataka).
Apart from holding several key posts in Karnataka Government, Joginder served as DG of Narcotics Control Bureau, ITBP, CISF, RPF and IG of CRPF at different times.
During his 11-month stint as the CBI Director, Singh was under constant attack from politicians, judiciary, executives and the media. He was shunted as the Special Secretary in Home Ministry.