Fewer Ah Longs, More Online VOLUME 41 NO. 3 Scammers

A Little Piece of Heaven Honouring The Pioneers Who Blazed Our Trail POLICE LIFE 03 Contents Building Formidable Investigation Tan Chye Hee By Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations and Intelligence) 03 04 and Intelligence Capabilities concurrent Director CID Building Formidable Fewer Ah Longs, Investigation More Online and Intelligence Scammers The direction, co-ordination and integration of the investigations and intelligence functions within the Capabilities Police Force (SPF) come under the watch of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations and Intelligence) Tan Chye Hee. Police Life hears from him on his vision for these two important policing functions.

“ PF’s investigations and intelligence (I&I) we will operationalise new units and enhance officers. We are in the midst of reviewing how 06 07 capabilities to address these threats. This includes we can better recognise the work of investigation ‘ They Came from A Little Piece Scapabilities are formidable. Nowhere to Help’ of Heaven setting up the new Cyber Crime Command in CID. officers and intelligence officers as specialist jobs In routine operations and major crises, the Dedicated investigation and forensic teams will also in the SPF. interplay of Investigations and Intelligence (I&I) be deployed to the Police Land Divisions by end 2015. has helped the SPF solve complex and challenging Through cross-postings between investigation crimes. Some high profile cases which were solved As such complex crimes are borderless, we aim and intelligence, we will constantly develop people by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to combat these emerging and complex threats in so that they acquire the instincts and judgement 07 08 and Police Land Divisions with the support of the collaboration with local and foreign partners who needed as key leaders in the I&I domain. Police Intelligence Department (PID) include the: have specialist knowledge and capabilities. We also Happenings Insights into the intend to collaborate with our partners in terms of By bringing in and developing people with the Police Officers • Kidnapping of Madam Ng Lye Poh, the mother of training, to ensure that our officers are equipped relevant talents, robust training and learning Basic Course Sheng Siong supermarket chain’s Chief Executive with the necessary skills and expertise to do their from past experience, and also benchmarking Note from the Team Officer on 8 January 2014 job well. with international best practices, we maintain our • Series of cybercrime (hacking) incidents in sharp edge in I&I. Most of us remember the slogan in our crime November 2013 by “The Messiah” Leveraging Technology – My firm belief is that prevention pamphlets, “Low crime doesn’t mean no technology is a force multiplier. For example, • Syed Alwi Road dismembered body murder case Becoming more formidable crime”. Throughout the years, Police officers have PID’s next-generation criminal intelligence system, 10 11 in June 2014 worked hard to ensure the safety and security of My View Renewing Ties C-CRIS 2, was commissioned in November 2014 The I&I vision, our motivation and plans to build capabilities in these three key areas will enhance Singaporeans. While new technologies have led to a • Trespass and vandalism committed by two and has significantly enhanced the quality of our ability to fight crime, thereby increasing the rise in cheating and scam cases, Police efforts have graffiti artists at the Bishan depot in Nov 2014 intelligence generated. contributed to fewer numbers of cases in other areas deterrence and prevention of crime. This is a such as Unlicensed Moneylending cases. Fighting crime The collaboration between CID and PID is There are also plans to build technological virtuous cycle that will help SPF achieve our mission is tough work but with the joint effort of the public and crucial in crippling criminal syndicates. Some capabilities to better distil leads from crowd- to make Singapore the safest place in the world.” collaboration with various agencies, crime is sure to be examples include: sourced video footages, photographs and static stemmed effectively. 12 • Busting several football betting syndicates where CCTV camera images in a more efficient and 11 a total of 56 suspects were arrested and cash of effective manner to better aid investigations In this issue you will read about how the Punggol Read & Win! Square Bashing about S$2.8 million was seized in the lead-up to and intelligence. Here, we draw from overseas Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) equipped its and during the FIFA World Cup tournament in lessons and experiences such as how our US residents with a set of crime-fighting skills. Find out June 2014. law enforcement counterparts had used crowd- what they did. sourced information to enhance investigations • Joint operations with the Land Divisions in 2014 and intelligence in the aftermath of the Boston which saw the arrest of more than 1,000 persons Hear what the T-baton would have to say about itself and Bombings in 2013. how it protects our officers while they keep the streets 13 14 involved in loan-sharking activities – this was in Singapore safe. Honouring The Residents in Punggol the highest haul in a year since such dedicated We have implemented an electronic mode of Pioneers Who Learn to Fight operations commenced four years ago. submitting intelligence in 2014 and are also looking Also, hear the story of Corporal Kok Ziwei who lent a Blazed Our Trail Online Crime at and experimenting with mobility platforms (e.g. helping hand beyond the course of her duties after The I&I vision: paving the way to a recording of statements while on-the-go). This is learning about the plight of one of the callers for Police desired future so that investigators can be productive in and out assistance for a Death on Arrival case. My vision for the I&I fraternity is that through of office. Find out how the ’s Principal Master intelligence-led policing, timely intelligence is To enhance service delivery, Mariner is helping to build up the competency of our delivered upfront, so that relevant SPF units have 15 16 CID is pushing ahead with the officers and instil confidence in them when protecting Keeping Head One of Us time to act to prevent major criminal acts or planned digitisation of services offered the shores of Singapore. Above Waters public disorder from occurring. In the event that crime could not be prevented, investigators, with to the public (e.g. digitising the We hope that you find this issue an interesting read! the support of intelligence officers, must be able to process of applying for a Certificate act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators of Clearance from the Criminal Cpl Md Shahrunnizam Abdul Rashid to justice. Records Office). Journalist Police Life Committee Talent Attraction and Retention – We Three key areas to bring us closer to need to continue to attract capable Editorial Advisor Editor Photographers the vision AC Melvin Yong and committed people to Ms Tham Yee Lin SSgt Chee Yong Tat Enhancing Capabilities to Address Complex Cpl Md Shahrunnizam Abdul Rashid join the investigation and Chief Editor Journalists Criminal Threats – Emerging and complex criminal SC/Sgt Gabriel Chan Duen Yue intelligence fraternity. The DAC Tan Tin Wee Ms Chew Si Lei Jinnie SC Mok Wen Jie threats such as cybercrime and transnational Cpl Md Shahrunnizam Abdul Rashid work in the investigation Senior Editor organised crime place new and heavy demands SC/Sgt Gabriel Chan Duen Yue and intelligence domains Ms Leena Rajan on the I&I fraternity. As Singapore is a hub for SC Mok Wen Jie Design and Production is very demanding but Redbean De Pte Ltd business, info-communications and travel, we deeply satisfying. have to be vigilant against criminal networks and businesses that seek to exploit our hub status to We constantly look out perpetuate criminal activity. for good officers with the Police Life is a publication of the . For feedback or enquiries, please write to the editorial team at right attitude and aptitude [email protected]. The materials in this publication are not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written consent We need to aim for peaks of excellence and deepen of the Editorial Committee. All rights reserved. Whilst we tried to ensure that information provided is up-to-date and accurate, the our competencies in the I&I domains to deal with to join as investigation publisher will not be responsible for any errors or omissions. complex and highly specialised crimes. In 2015, officers and intelligence

facebook.com/singaporepoliceforce twitter.com/singaporepolice youtube.com/spfcommunityoutreach Police@SG iPhone / Android App www.police.gov.sg Criminal Investigation Department 04 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 05

Fewer Ah Longs, TIPS TO AVOID BEING SCAMMED

• Always be wary of strangers you meet online and on social messaging platforms • Do not send money or gifts to people you do not know well More Online • Do not share personal details online or through email • Always try to make online purchases from reputable vendors

By SC Mok Wen Jie • Always check the authenticity of any request for payment, to make purchases or help Scammers with transactions by contacting the person/ The efforts of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) have led to the continued decline of Unlicensed organisation directly Moneylending (UML) related cases. However, cheating involving e-Commerce cases have more than Learn more about the various scams and doubled from 2013, leading to an overall increase in crime. We take a closer look at some of the how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim at www.scamalert.sg figures and measures being taken by the SPF to fight such crime.

…but more falling victim in the online ocean

However, the growing number of regular Internet users has led to a dramatic increase in online NEW SCAM, crimes. As more people go online for their CRIME SHIFTS ONLINE shopping needs, cheating involving e-Commerce OLD SCAM cases increased, jumping from 510 cases in 2013 BOTH CONTINUE to 1659 cases in 2014 - three times the number of TO TRAP THE UNWARY cases in just a year. Year 2013 Year 2014 Cheating Of these crimes, two scams stood out prominently. involving 510 1659 Credit For Sex Scam ‘Multiple Payment Online Purchase’ scams which E-Commerce cases 225.3% cases involve victims being duped into making multiple “Help me buy the iTunes gift card, I will then payments to receive the products ordered and meet you later.” Asking their victims to help paid for, rose from 269 cases in 2013 to 904 cases them purchase gift cards or virtual/online in 2014. ‘Phony Paypal Email’ scams which involve Multiple Payment Online Phony Paypal Email Scam credits, scammers would promise to meet scammers posing as buyers and sending fake Purchase Scam the victims for sex once they have received notifications from ‘Paypal’ to swindle payments the purchase. A devious new form of scam, from the sellers for the administration of their $240,600 $735,000 $10,000 $116,800 149 cases were reported in 2014, with up to ‘Paypal’ accounts. Such cases jumped dramatically, cheated cheated cheated cheated $138,700 cheated. from 9 cases in 2013 to 122 cases in 2014.

The year 2014 also saw many heartbreaks for Kidnap Hoax Phone Scam those going online for love, as Internet Love Scams Our partnership with the community to raise public increased by 143.2%, and saw approximately $8.8 “I have your kids, pay me or else.” A relatively million cheated out of victims. Cyber extortion also awareness on the severe consequences of getting old and classic scam, it has still proven rose by 138%, and formed the bulk of an increase in 269 904 9 122 cases cases cases cases difficult to stamp out, with an increase of 27 both attempted extortion and extortion cases. involved in UML activities has also contributed to this cases from 13 in 2013 to 40 in 2014. The total downward trend. amount cheated also increased from $81,400 in 2013 to $113,700 in 2014. Educating potential victims Internet Love Scam Cyber Extortion As more and more criminals go online to conduct Tan Chye Hee their nefarious deeds, it becomes more important Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations and Intelligence) to ensure that potential victims are aware $5.8 million $8.8 million $56,000 $145,000 of the dangers and possible scams that they cheated cheated extorted extorted might experience. A declining ‘shark’ population… stiffer penalties against unlicensed moneylenders media platforms to raise public awareness about and their helpers. The SPF is also leveraging ML--related harassment cases have fallen anti-UML initiatives and conduct road shows to While Singapore remains a safe place to live and technology and deploying Police cameras to 18.3% from 7052 in 2013 to 5763 in 2014, increase public awareness on UML-related crimes. work in, the SPF will work closely with the National provide round-the-clock deterrence and collect while the number of harassment cases The SPF is also continuing to work with Resident’s Crime Prevention Council to use various media U useful information for investigations. platforms as well as community engagement, such where property was damaged dropped by 46.4% Committees, Neighbourhood Committees and as road shows, to help keep the public informed 81 197 108 257 from 5176 in 2013 to 2772 in 2014. Citizens’ Consultative Committees to educate the The SPF has been unrelenting in our efforts on the ever-changing modus operandi of online cases cases cases cases The SPF worked with the Ministry of Home Affairs to prevent members of the public from falling public on the dire consequences of borrowing from scammers and to keep up their guard against these to implement strong deterrence measures and victim to UML-related crimes. We tap on various unlicensed moneylenders. menace to society.

SC Mok Wen Jie and SC/Sgt Gabriel Chan Duen Yue 06 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 07

An announcement to evacuate the HAPPENINGS building was made on the hotel’s public address system. A little piece of PNSD Moves to Still Road Mr Ali said: “One of the hotel guests Moving from Old Police Academy to 170 Still Road, the Police pleaded in Tamil for us to look for her National Service Department held their Official Opening 10-year-old son. She kept repeating Ceremony on 13 January 2015. Commissioner of Police Hoong that he was in a room on the fourth Wee Teck graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour. Occupying floor.” When the boy’s room was a total built up space area of 1400m2 and housing 7 divisions checked, it was empty. Heaven and branches within 2 stories, the new building will be PNSD’s By Cpl Md Shahrunnizam Abdul Rashid home for the next 4-5 years until they are permanently located Safely evacuated together with the other staff departments in NPPK Luckily, the smoke had not spread to Our Police officers diligently attend to incidents that they are the upper floors. assigned to whenever help is needed. Corporal (Cpl) Michelle Mr Ali escorted one sickly European Kok took it one step further by going beyond the call of duty man on the fourth storey to safety to help a family in need after she had attended to their case. while Insp Teo continued his door- to-door checks.

In about 15 minutes, all 65 rooms on seven storeys were cleared and 26 guests were evacuated to safety.

Among those evacuated, two were taken to hospital for smoke Staff Sergeant Muhammad Nizam Khan and Inspector Darius Teo showing how they tried to put out the fire. inhalation and breathlessness. Fortunately, most of the guests were

out sightseeing or shopping. ACJC Students Visit Marina Bay Neighbourhood We tried to put it out. Unfortunately, Police Centre Aside from smelling badly of

it was too big.” They Came from smoke,the two police officers only As part of the “ACS Thanks You” community service event by the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) family, a group of Anglo- He was worried that a first-storey fire suffered sore throats. Staff Sgt Chinese Junior College (ACJC) students and teachers visited ‘ Nizam lost his voice the next day but could restrict access to the hotel’s he did not tell his family about his the Marina Bay Neighbourhood Police Centre on 18 February ‘ higher levels. At that time, nobody Sunday afternoon drama. 2015 to give out oranges to Home Team officers as a token knew how many guests were in of their appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices made their rooms. He said: “I don’t want to get them (his by the officers to keep Singapore safe and secure 24/7, even parents) worried. For me, it’s part during public holidays such as during the Lunar New Year. Nowhere A plan was made on the spot — Insp and parcel of my daily job.” Teo and Mr Ali paired up to evacuate Likewise, Insp Teo did not tell guests while Staff Sgt Nizam took his wife the full extent of what One man’s sorrow, one woman’s Sometimes, she would also bring recycled control of the crowd of onlookers had happened. sincerity toys for the kids to play with. Cpl Kok kept gathering along Serangoon Road. up this routine for the last two years. Immediately after the incident, both orporal (Cpl) Kok Ziwei Michelle to Help men even continued with their foot had responded to a case of Death By Mr Zaihan Mohamed Yusof An admirable nature The end result was patrolduty in Little India. Con Arrival in July 2013, where an elderly woman had passed away of a heart When her supervisors and family and Thick black smoke blanketed the Serangoon what we wanted. Insp Teo, who has been in the attack in Jurong West. As she entered the friends came to know of this, they were Singapore Police Force for 17 years, flat, she couldn’t help but notice that the proud of her actions. She became a role Road hotel lobby as a fire consumed parts of the There were no said: “The end result was what we unit was rather rundown. She met up with model among her colleagues. Mr Ng’s hotel restaurant. wanted. There were no fatalities... It Mr Ng Kuang Bong, the owner of the flat case had tugged at Cpl Kok’s heartstrings fatalities... It was was a good outcome.” and the deceased’s husband. During her and made her a more caring officer. An officer who not only upholds the law, but roadway Hotel shift manager who were doing their supervisory Mr Ali said he was grateful to the two interview with him to find out more about a good outcome. also someone who does not turn a blind Liaquath Ali found himself in rounds along Race Course Lane. policemen. “Without them, I would the deceased, she realised that the elderly Ethics Seminar 2015 eye towards the needy and the weak who Inspector Darius Teo have had a hard day.” couple had been struggling on their own The annual Police Ethics Seminar, graced by the Commissioner a desperate situation. clearly needed her assistance. B Said Insp Teo, who had seen white to take care of themselves and their two of Police Hoong Wee Teck, was held on 5 March 2015. It is a smoke from the kitchen’s exhaust adopted grandsons. For years the elderly But as he was wondering how he These days Mr Ng also receives aid from keystone event by the Manpower Department to reinforce the couple had been living in poor conditions. was going to get everyone out safely, vent: “Very quickly we noticed the the Community Development Council importance of upholding integrity and trust among officers. Saddened by the hardship faced by the he heard two voices assuring him he white smoke become thick black (CDC) which delivers food to his home Two guest speakers, Mr Wong Choong Mann, Director of elderly couple, she realised how fortunate was not alone. smoke. That’s when we knew that twice daily. Investigations of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau something was probably wrong.” she was to have a job which gives her a (CPIB) and Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Unknown to Mr Ali, the two men stable income and the opportunity to serve Lian Ghim Hua, commander of the Ang Mo Kio Police Division, were plainclothes cops who had The pair rushed to the hotel lobby people, especially in their moment of need Money is nothing. shared insights into discipline and values. For the first time turned up to help when the fire where they bumped into Mr Ali. and despair. a plenary session was also included in the Seminar for the broke out in the restaurant’s kitchen What is important audience to field questions and share comments. They then entered Delhi Restaurant What moved her on Jan 25 at around 5pm. armed with only two fire As she spoke to Mr Ng, she came to know is that I know that extinguishers while Mr Ali tried to Mr Ali, 54, told The New Paper that the mother of Mr Ng’s adopted douse the fire from outside the hotel recently: “Out of nowhere, the two grandchildren was imprisoned and that somebody is keeping with a water hose. men approached me and asked: Mr Ng was not receiving any financial an eye on me. I’m ‘How many fire extinguishers do you In the kitchen, the officers were aid from anyone. She wanted to help and have? Give us as many as possible.’” confronted with a raging fire which do more to ease Mr Ng’s burden. Cpl Kok really thankful that was devouring the ceiling above started visiting Mr Ng fortnightly to check Cpl Kok is here to give The duo were police Inspector the stove. on how he was coping with the death of Darius Teo, 37, and Staff Sergeant his wife. She would spend about thirty her support. Muhammad Nizam Khan, 30, from Said Insp Teo: “It was smoky and we minutes during each visit, bringing food Rochor Neighbourhood Police Centre couldn’t see where we were going. Staff Sgt Nizam and Insp Teo with Broadway Hotel shift manager, Liaquath Ali. for Mr Ng and his adopted grandchildren. Mr Ng Kuang Bong

Shahriya Yahaya Source: The New Paper 24 February 2015 © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission. Cpl Md Shahrunnizam Abdul Rashid 08 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 09 Insights into the Police Officers

By SC/Sgt Gabriel Chan Duen Yue Basic Course Legal Studies Physical Training Each trainee is provided a laptop which stores law-related materials that allows What good can chasing after a fleeing suspect do if you are not fit for the them to study during their free time. As law enforcement officers, every officer job – literally? hoosing to don the police blue requires you to undertake the has to be familiar with certain laws pertaining to policing (i.e. Police Force Act) All our police officers are trained from the Trainees undergo routine workouts each training day to improve their mandatory Police Officers Basic Course (POBC). The course and crimes (i.e. the Penal Code). Such knowledge will guide their actions on the very beginning to handle any situation reliably physical fitness. C encompasses several types of training, from physically-demanding ground, for example assessing whether an arrest or further action is warranted. and professionally. components such as the Police Defence Tactics, to in-depth lectures on Legal Studies, to make our officers effective law enforcers.

Firearms Training Police Standard Obstacle Course When lives are at risk, officers may resort to deploying their firearm to deter or The obstacle course is designed to simulate urban obstacles that our frontline neutralise a deadly attacker. officers operate in.

Every potential frontline officer learns to competently use a handgun, the Undergoing this training allows trainees to know how to manoeuvre past Taurus Model 85 0.38 calibre revolver. various obstacles and get to their suspect swiftly.

Police Defence Tactics Life-saving Lessons Drills Scenario Based Test Violence is not always the solution to conflicts, but when suspects turn non- in line with our organisation’s pledge ‘to protect life and property’, officers are “Squad, Sedia!” One of the military commands that trainees always hear In the scenario-based test, officers are given a realistic scenario and their compliant and violent, officers are required to use an appropriate level of force taught basic life-saving techniques. whenever they are instructed to be at attention. Dreaded amongst trainees actions and responses in the scenario are evaluated and judged to see if they to safely subdue the suspects. for being repetitive and exhaustive, drills are essential in instilling a sense of had acted responsibly and according to procedure. Here, they learn to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, operate the discipline and unity amongst them. Trainees are also required to march when During the tests, officers are assessed on a number of areas, including how In the dojo co-located at the Home Team Academy, trainees learn various Automated External Defibrillator and apply rescuing techniques in water such travelling from one destination to the other within the Academy. they communicate over the walkie-talkie, how well they apply procedures, and manoeuvres, from unarmed tactics to handling of their trusty batons so they as pulling drowning victims out of the currents with ropes or a pole. how well they handle the different situations. can effectively deal with such situations. Potential officers learn to be attuned to constantly thinking on their feet and expect the unexpected when deployed on the ground.

SC/Sgt Gabriel Chan Duen Yue, SC Mok Wen Jie and Sgt(NS) Chiew Qin Wen 10 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 11

By Assistant Superintendent of Police Brian Ng Kian Boon International Cooperation Department By SC Mok Wen Jie Renewing Ties I AM My View T-BATON “ Move back sir! When it comes to upholding the law, I am one of the options available to the frontline police officers of the Singapore Police Force. Although I am currently used as a training baton for the rookies in Home Team Academy, my fellow batons are out on the front lines of crime fighting!”

We are the third level of force that officers deploy when dealing with uncooperative suspects, after verbal commands and unarmed tactics.

Look out above, he’s coming in high! Used primarily in a defensive role, police officers are thoroughly trained on how to use us in a variety of scenarios. From defensive blocks to restraining techniques, we give officers the R EAD & WIN! ability to react flexibly to any situation. Get all the answers to the 6 questions below correct and win one of 10 Police Life passholders with a C.L.I.F. lanyard!

Email your answers, full name, NRIC number and contact number to [email protected] by 22 June 2015. Only one entry per person will be considered.

This contest is open to all persons residing in Singapore. he Commissioners of the Australian Federal Police T(AFP) and the Singapore Questions Police Force (SPF) attended their 1 Which online scam saw the greatest increase in the number of first bilateral Meeting on 2 February cases percentage-wise? 2015. Both Commissioner of Police (CP) Hoong Wee Teck and CP 2 2014 saw a new form of scam, ______, which saw Andrew Colvin, together with senior 149 cases reported with up to $138,700 cheated. officers from both Forces, reviewed the mutual collaborations for the 3 List 3 tips you can follow to avoid being a victim of scams. past two years, candidly shared 4 T-batons are used in a primarily ______role by As my name suggests, I am a experiences tackling domestic and T-shaped baton designed to aid transnational crimes, and discussed police officers. our officers on the ground. I also training exchanges between the two 5 List 3 activities police trainees took part in in 1979 come with an extended end to help police forces. officers maintain a distance from during their training at the Police Academy as mentioned by an attacking suspect. The Commissioners were pleased DSP Jarmal Singh. with the fruitful exchange and expressed their interest to renew 6 What was the theme of this year’s Punggol Neighbourhood Police the AFP-SPF Memorandum of Centre Annual Neighbourhood Watch Day? Understanding (MOU) that is due to expire this year.

Sgt(NS) Chiew Qin Wen SSgt Chee Yong Tat 12 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 13 Square Honouring Bashing The Pioneers Who

Police Academy moulds 96 Ms Ines Yeo By into professional policemen Blazed Our Trail Public Affairs Department

By Reproduced from Police Life 1979 Along with other ongoing SG50 projects, the Singapore Police Force th One day in February, 96 men reported at the (SPF) looks to celebrate Singapore’s 50 birthday by publishing a Police Academy for training to become efficient SG50 Pioneers Special of Police Life. Let’s go behind the scenes of police officers. this milestone project to find out what will be coming up for this commemorative issue. ighteen of them were ex- He was happy with their enthusiasm. national Police National Their standard of drill was the best Highlights of the issue A peek behind the scenes Servicemen who signed on as he had seen among new recruits. E he idea of a SG50 Pioneers Special To help fully bring out the bittersweet memories of regulars. Their training period will the past, some of the interviews were conducted at be 12 weeks. During the first week, the instructor’s issue of Police Life quickly evolved into job was to try and “break-in” the Tan elaborate project involving 50 of places of significance like the Senior Police Officers’ The remaining 78 new trainees recruits as soon as possible. SPF’s pioneers. The highlight of this special Mess and the Old Police Academy. That, coupled comprised ex-national servicemen issue involved the team from the Public with our friendly interviewers, helped eased the pioneers’ recollections, allowing for even deeper from the army and school-leavers. “Refresher course” Affairs Department and the Home Team News Their period of training will be conducting oral interviews with the pioneers scoops of the stories that they had to share. Mid and final term tests were held First steps to becoming professionals includes 20 weeks. stripping weapons and weaving their personal stories into this to appraise their progress. Private Past glories of late pioneers were also not forgotten Pioneers Special, dedicating two to four pages counselling sessions between as our writers sought to gather information about The residential training course with to each pioneer and his story. instructors and recruits were held them through oral history interviews conducted by breaks during the weekend teaches the National Archives of Singapore and newspaper periodically. Each recruit was given Beyond merely recognising the pioneers the young trainees (from 18-22 articles from the archives of the National a chance to be squad leaders so as to years old) basic law relating to the for their achievements and contributions, Library Board. identification of common offences instil confidence in them. the Pioneers Special is about collecting and the powers of the police in law and safeguarding the myriad of invaluable David Cheong said, “From practical Moving forward enforcement and crime prevention. experiences that they have accumulated. Apart experience drawn from our You can look forward to seeing the Pioneers Special Trainees were also taught police from 11 pioneers who had passed on, because divisional duties and our training as Collecting their law manuals First steps to becoming professionals includes in the third quarter of 2015, where it will be made administration, including methods polishing boots. the stories are told by the pioneers themselves, instructors, we constantly update available to the public on SPF’s website. Stay tuned! and procedures of routine police the accounts encompass genuine emotions ourselves and give our best to duties and police discipline. that enrich your reading experience. the recruits.” DSP Jarmal Singh, Chief School Coming from different departments and New recruits from K1/80 ROD Squad Instructor at the Police Academy, having undertaken a wide variety of jobs – all said they were happy to have been said: “The young trainees are not in the police force, the pioneers featured in given the opportunity to go through only taught basic law and police this issue bring with them each a story that is duties, but also first aid and a “refresher course”. unique to them. Mandarin. In addition, they take part Mohd Omar said, “This training gives in field training, which includes drill, me a chance to catch up on things physical and weapon training, self- which I missed during my National defence, swimming and life-saving”. Service training”. ASP S. Nair, Senior Instructor and Razali Mohd Hakim, who was posted the OsC Squad David Choong, Johari to the Police Band and to divisions, Juma’at, K.K. Wee, and Lee Tai San also found the course useful. plan and conduct courses.

The Drill Instructors, PCs Pang Sap, Weapon training gave them the Subramanium, Low Yong Joo and opportunity to learn how to handle Anthony Quek are responsible for new arms like the Sterling, pump gun the physical development of the and the Smith and Wesson. trainees. Each trainee is assessed periodically by the OC Squad and the Most of the recruits found the first Field Instructor. week very interesting, adjusting to a new way of life, new friends, an Instructor David Cheong said the opportunity to learn new things, and Phase 1/80 intake recruits were good. even some aspects of law. Physical training includes rope climbing

SC Mok Wen Jie and SC/Sgt Gabriel Chan Duen Yue 14 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 15

Tackling the rising tide When asked about the challenges he faced, Mr Muralidharan, shared about having to constantly Keeping Heads keep up with the ever-changing geographical landscape within Singapore’s territorial waters together with the new operational technology implemented on the crafts. While he said that he tended to be keenly concerned about the PCG officers’ skills during training, he was always confident of Above Water their abilities to face the sea once they graduated. By Cpl Md Shahrunnizam Abdul Rashid When assessing officers using scenario-based questions, he often encouraged officers to have Mr V.K. Muralidharan spent years teaching and ensuring PCG officers more than just one answer. Such assessment methods are to get officers to exercise their minds acquiring acceptable standards of skills and competence to perform the and develop critical thinking. required tasks before certifying them. “You have to be ready and think on your feet when you are at sea to face any changes that could happen in an instant. Steering a craft is different from driving a car because you can’t apply the emergency brakes when you are out at sea. You must react quickly because your life and the life of your passengers depend on your capability to react and this is the greatest challenge for anyone out at sea,” he shared.

Practice makes perfect Mr Muhammad Farhansyah Bin Musa By Mr Muralidharan also observed that the younger Home Team News Residents in Punggol generation often get stressed out when they are facing both theory and practical examinations. This inevitably results in officers answering the questions or performing practical tasks incorrectly. Learn to Fight Online Crime There are no model answers in maritime operations as different situations require different measures to Punggol Neighbourhood Police Centre held its be taken. Officers must not only be proficient in the theory of the subjects, but also be familiar with the annual Neighbourhood Watch Day with interactive various drills taught in practical sessions, so that exhibition booths set up, to engage the members they will be more confident after their training. of public. This is part of the Singapore Police Force concerted efforts to raise awareness to the rising A captain and a visionary number of online scams. He envisions a future where the current PCG Training School would be transformed into the His past experiences A beacon of guidance to PCG officers ‘Home Team Maritime Security Academy. With this he Neighbourhood Watch Day a puppet show that was targeted at transformation, he hopes that all the other local (NWD) celebrated the efforts children to inform and educate them r V. K. Muralidharan developed his He works directly with the Head Training & maritime and related agencies such as the Maritime of the community in helping of such acts and to not fall prey to it. passion for the sea when he served Development, Officer-In-Charge of PCG-Training T Port Authority and the Singapore Civil Defence the Police in fighting crimes. Mhis National service in the Republic of School (PCG-TS) and together with the trainers, Also, during Punggol NWD, tokens of Singapore Navy when he was 18. He started his conducts courses such as the Maritime Policing Force, would be able to share their knowledge Cheating involving e-commerce had appreciation were given out to the career as a deck cadet and climbed the ranks before Course, Port Limit Steersman Course, Coxswains and technologies better and work together risen by 225.3 per cent in 2014. Citizens-On-Patrol (C.O.P) members taking command of ships. He holds a Class 1, Master Course and Navigating Officers Course for the towards improving both the training methods and for their continuous support and cameras, which will be installed at Mr Linus Goh who works as an Mariner (Deck Officer’s) Certificate of Competency, PCG officers. certification of every maritime officer. To fight online crimes, the theme effort in keeping the community safe the entrances and exits of multi- inventory management executive at and has twelve years of sea experience. for this year’s Neighbourhood Watch together with Punggol NPC. storey car park. PSA Corporation Limited spends his Day is mainly focused on spreading days-off volunteering as a C.O.P. He He has sailed various classes of ships ranging from awareness on the types of scam Commander of Ang Mo Kio VOW is an initiative that first started acts as a C.O.P Liaison Officer, going General Cargo, containers, bulk carriers to even such as cyber extortion and kidnap Police Division, Deputy Assistant out in and on joint patrols with the NPC officers tankers. Throughout the years he had mastered phone scam. every month. Commissioner of Police Lian was adapted to the demographics of both theory and practical knowledge in maritime and obtained a Master of Educational Management. Punggol Neighbourhood Police Centre Ghim Hua said, “To keep our Punggol Neighbourhood. The 33-year-old who was awarded (NPC) held its NWD on 01 February neighbourhood safe, we really need a token of appreciation for his Member of Parliament for Pasir He further enhanced his maritime knowledge and at Punggol 21 Community Club, the community to work hand-in-hand efforts, mentioned that he previously experience when he was working as a shipbroker Ris-Punggol Group Representative served his National Service with the which had a number of interactive with the Police. The Neighbourhood and subsequently became a lecturer in Maritime Constituency Penny Low said, Singapore Police Force and that being exhibition booths highlighting the Watch Day is an avenue which allows studies at the Singapore Polytechnic in 1994. “(Effective) crime fighting requires a C.O.P reminded him of the days spike in the amount of scams that us to have greater interaction.” However, he was keen to be back in action at sea, a strong working relationship where he played a part in keeping happened last year. and so he decided to apply for a post in the Police Punggol NPC also introduced its between Police and our community. Singapore safe. Coast Guard (PCG). Our experience has shown that The booths were both engaging and Vehicle-On-Watch (VOW) which aims “I am honoured to be part of the the partnership between our educational in teaching the public to safeguard theft from vehicle at team that helps to keep Punggol a In January 1998, he was appointed as Marine signs of such scams and measures to car parks by leveraging on the in- community, our grassroots leaders, safe place for all to live in. Not only Surveyor in the PCG and in September 2012 he was protect themselves. There were also vehicle closed circuit television C.O.P members and the Police is do we keep it safe during patrol, my re-designated as Principal Master Mariner. With a series of activities that Punggol (CCTV) installed by car owners. This the most effective force in keeping members and I also remain vigilant this re-designation, he is now empowered to certify NPC planned for residents – such as is further complemented with police Punggol safe.” when we are off-patrol,” he said. officers who are eligible to manpatrol crafts at sea.

Mr Christopher Chen, Home Team News Cpl Md Shahrunnizam Abdul Rashid ONE OF US

Hi, I am… Iskandar Ismail. I currently hold the rank of Staff Sergeant, and am attached to Special Operations Team, Traffic Police (TP).

What is your quirkiest habit at work? I put on perfume when I report for and off duty. [Laughs]... maybe I want people to smell me before they see me coming.

Identify one item on your desk that motivates you/ cheers you up while you are at work. A picture of my team mates during the last National Day Parade (NDP) training. It reminds me of the early mornings when we had to wake up for NDP rehearsals, and the fact that these guys are the people watching my back all the time.

Where do you go to take a break during work? Usually it will be at the TP Headquarters (HQ) itself. Actually come to think of it, very rarely do we go to other places for breaks. The next best choice would be Kreta Ayer Neighbourhood Police Post because the place has got a very nostalgic feel to it. As we are riding most of the time, we appreciate the air-conditioning!

On a work day, what is your favourite dish to have for lunch and where can you find it? Lucky for me, I do not have to go that far. My favourite dish would be fried chicken rice in our very own canteen. While stocks last though, you won’t get it if you are a bit late for lunch.

What is the weirdest misconception you have heard about policing work/ police officers? The weirdest I have ever heard is that police officers work harder when bonus month is coming. (Laughs) I hope people will know that we work equally hard even after we have received our bonus.

I believe in… Treating people the same way you want people to treat you. Don’t expect good treatment if you treat people otherwise.

SC Mok Wen Jie