STRENGTHENING NATIONAL SERVICE FOR A STRONGER VOLUME 40 NO. 6 SINGAPORE

Public Order Tactical Training From Boys to Policemen 02 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 03

CONTENTS

03 07 08 Strengthening Leading From Public Order National Service For The Middle Tactical Training A Stronger Singapore

10 11 More Teeth In The Brewing Fight Against Crime Support With The PNS(F)

12 14 15 More Opportunities From Boys Being Positive For Our National To Policemen About National Servicemen Service

A NOTE FROM THE TEAM COMMITTEE

Every Singaporean son has to go through National Service, be it Editorial Advisor AC Melvin Yong with the Singapore Armed Forces, the Singapore Civil Defence

Force, or the Singapore Police Force. Different uniformed services Chief Editor all offer different experiences. DAC Tan Tin Wee

Senior Editor As full-time Police National Servicemen (PNSFs), we have the Ms Leena Rajan unique opportunity to participate as protectors of the peace in Editor Singapore, and interact with a wide variety of the public. This gives Ms Tham Yee Lin STRENGTHENING PNSFs a better sense of how complex society actually is, and also gives us opportunities to gain valuable life experiences that would Journalists SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin certainly give us an edge in our future endeavours. Ms Chew Si Lei Jinnie SC/Cpl Muhammad Alif Bin Sapuan However, the heavy responsibilities of a police officer also mean that SC Mok Wen Jie NATIONAL support is crucial to the welfare of PNSFs during their term of service. Photographers Many of us depend on the strong support of family and friends to SSgt Chee Yong Tat keep us going. It is also heartening to note the strong government SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin SC Mok Wen Jie SC Mok Wen Jie Journalist support for PNSFs through the recent Committee to Strengthen Police Life National Service (CSNS) recommendations. Design and Production SERVICE Redbean De Pte Ltd In this issue, we cover some of those recommendations specific to PNSFs, as well as a variety of stories about how the NS experience FOR A STRONGER can be an excellent learning journey in the Singapore Police Force. SC/SGT Edward Toh, Police National Service Department, By SINGAPORE and Mr Muhammad Fairuz Bin Mohd Amir, HomeTeam NS

Police Life is a publication of the Singapore Police The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) was set up to ensure Force. For feedback or enquiries, please write to the editorial team at [email protected]. The that while National Service evolves to prepare for societal changes and threats, materials in this publication are not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written consent it remains relevant to its roots. It is imperative that Singaporeans continue to of the Editorial Committee. All rights reserved. Whilst we tried to ensure that information provided believe in the value and purpose of NS. is up-to-date and accurate, the publisher will not be responsible for any errors or omissions.

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

enerations of Singaporeans Thus, the Committee to Strengthen a Townhall session and Webchat, along in an affluent Singapore with no direct have served National National Service (CSNS) embarked with various other modes of feedback memories of our early struggles.” OPERATIONALLY-READY Service (NS) with pride on a journey to engage Singaporeans which helped shape the CSNS Gand commitment, making valuable extensively through conversations on NS. recommendations that we see today. These changes, some of which are NATIONAL SERVICEMEN highlighted here, proposed by the contributions toward a safe and secure In May 2013, CSNS began public Singapore, our home. engagement, involving over 40,000 Explaining the rationale behind these CSNS would help ensure that Police participants including National recommendations, Dr Ng Eng Hen, National Servicemen remain the Family Recognition Vouchers (FRVS) Enhancing the IPPT System and Incentives However, changes in our society Servicemen (NSmen), full-time Minister for Defence, said: “By 2020, all cornerstone of our nation’s security. and threat environment require that National Servicemen (NSFs), Regulars, our full-time national servicemen would Read on for some of the more NSmen who perform among the top NSFs and NSmen will tackle a Officers will also be assessed against NS remains relevant so that future parents, women, employers, grassroots have been born in the 21st century. important recommendations that will 10% during their ICT stand to receive simpler three-station IPPT format a new standard every three years generations of Singaporeans continue volunteers, students and other They will be shaped by different forces affect Police National Servicemen, or $200 in vouchers, up from $100. comprising push-ups, sit-ups, and instead of the current five for a better to believe in the value and purpose of members of the public. Participants compared to previous generations. visit www.strengthenns.sg for the full Additionally, the next 20% stand to a 2.4km run from 1 April 2015. The performance-to-age match. NS, and support this national institution. took part in Focus Group Discussions, They would have been born and bred recommendations. receive $100 in vouchers. new scoring system allows an officer to score up to 25 points each for the push-up and sit-up test stations, and up to 50 points for the 2.4km run. GENERAL FULL–TIME NATIONAL SERVICEMEN New IPPT Standards Award Type Total Points Required CHANGES Easing Travel Restrictions Pass (for NSmen) >50 NSmen now only need to declare Pass (for NSFs/Regulars) >60 Pass with Incentive (for NSmen) Accredit NS skills to support Post-NS transition when travelling overseas if the trip lasts for more than 14 days, up from Silver (for NSFs, NSmen & Regulars) >70 24 hours. SPF will be obtaining Gold (for NSFs, NSmen & Regulars) >80 Work Skills Qualifications This recommendation is effective st certification for the Police from 1 July 2014. Time Window Officers Basic Course and Neighbourhood Police Centre Proposed IPPT/IPT RT Officers Course. Expand Opportunities for NSmen Revamped NS Home Awards Current IPPT/IPT RT CSNS proposes that SPF allow Month 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 The revamped NS Housing, Medical and Education (HOME) recognition NSmen to volunteer in niche areas award sees NS personnel receiving $5,000 ($500 more for sergeants where they have the relevant civilian *20 sessions of RT are to be completed the following fiscal year if necessary. and above) upon completion of full-time NS, their 3rd Operationally Ready Enhanced Training and Supervision expertise after their ORNS cycle (e.g. $500 NS (ORNS) Cycle and their last ORNS Cycle. Each NSman would thus engineering and communications). $400 $300 potentially receive at least $15,000 if they complete their NS cycle. Eighty-four more Police $200 $200 Award $100 Current Incentive regulars will be hired to improve The benefits will be disbursed from September 2014, backdated to New Incentive the standards of training and 1st April 2014. Gold Silver Pass w. Incentive better enforce training safety.

WHAT OFFICERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE

Greater Leadership Opportunities CSNS RECOMMENDATIONS

PNS officers will be presented Increased Life and Personal Accident Insurance with more opportunities to On More Efficient Post-NS Transition excel and demonstrate their On Revamped Recognition NSFs and NSmen will be covered for up to $150,000 for incidents that potential. “It is heartening to see the Government recognising our “Generally, NSFs intend to return to their studies after occur during their service, an increase from $100,000. NS contributions. Post-Secondary Education Account they ORD. By taking care of post-NS transition and and CPF contributions would help provide much- making it less disruptive, it shows that NSFs are needed financial support for housing and education being recognised for their contributions during NS while increased Medisave contributions would help and that there is an effort to help us to reintegrate back into society.” SC/Sgt Ong Yi Teck subsidise the significant cost of healthcare.” SC/Cpl Gabriel Sim Police Coast Guard Police National Service Department More Efficient Post-NS Transition On Greater Leadership Opportunities On the new Overseas Cohorts are affected by varying “This allows me to challenge my limits and improve Notification Requirements wait times before entering my skill sets, and also equip me with additional skills “I welcome the changes to the Overseas Notification Restructure ACCORD to establish new councils tertiary institutions as they that can only be gained from such opportunities. I Centre requirements as I travel regularly for usually have one matriculation will also benefit from experiences that strengthen my The CSNS recommends restructuring ACCORD to comprise an Employer window. CSNS will work with work. Although I diligently notify the SPF of all my character. Leadership opportunities will help me not and Business Council, an Educational Institutions Council and a Family institutions to reduce post-NS overseas travels, I sometimes only remember at the only in my daily life, but in the working world as well.” and Community Council. This will promote greater participation and wait time to facilitate a more SC/Sgt So’if Noor DAC(NS) Yeo Kee Seah last minute and will need to apply for it at the airport. feedback on our NS system from other stakeholders such as parents, efficient transition. Tanglin Police Division Tanglin Police Division With the new requirements, I can now travel hassle- women, grassroots leaders, employers and students. free!”

SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin and SC Mok Wen Jie 06 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 07

VOICES FROM THE BLUE

EXPANDED HOMETEAMNS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES There are many stereotypes about HomeTeamNS, an Association for Police and and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Masagos and Thailand, promotional entry fees for local LEADING Civil Defence NSmen, is set to unveil its newly Zulkfli said during the preview that the HTNS attractions such as Universal Studios, S.E.A why one would go through OCT, renovated Clubhouses at Bukit Batok, Balestier plans to extend one year’s free membership to Aquarium and River Safari. such as getting a higher rank and Chinatown in November 2014. an NSman’s spouse or parent with no affiliation FROM THE Each HomeTeamNS clubhouse will be a one- to any NS clubhouses to enhance its focus to would enable you to do more. For The public got a sneak preview of the newly stop venue for family-bonding activities with new encourage family bonding. The association has refubished HomeTeamNS Balestier Clubhouse recreational spots and educational avenues. also tied-up with strategic partners to provide By SC Mok Wen Jie me, I chose it...because I wanted to on 25 July 2014, in the second phase of the $26 By 2016, HomeTeamNS will also open a new MIDDLE members with more benefits. This will include million ‘Salute to HomeTeam NSmen’ initiave. clubhouse at Tampines. exclusive recreational promotions such as 1-for-1 experience life as an officer leading Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs stay at Impiana Hotels and Resorts in Malaysia National Service Probationary Inspector (NSPI) my men. Izhar Bin Jumadi’s dream to be a leader took Experience Thematic Clubhouses on a whole new dimension when he joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

The three Home TeamNS clubhouses will be themed to cater for the different needs of NSmen. The Inspired to be a role model “However, I am able to interact Bukit Batok Clubhouse will adopt a Family Resort SPI Izhar had gone through the more closely with them individually, theme. For NSmen who prefer a “posh experience”, compared to the “top-down” view that the glittering Balestier Clubhouse will feature an Officer Cadet Training (OCT) NSPIs have in TRACOM, so I am sort Executive Lifestyle theme. Not forgetting our NSmen Course in the Singapore Armed NForces, where he aspired to lead his of the ‘big brother’ type of influence who just want a place to chill with their friends, the here,” he quips with a smile. “For Chinatown Clubhouse’s Social and Networking own squad or platoon. example, I would set myself to come theme will be a great place to get together. “There are many stereotypes about in 15 minutes early for duty, to act as a why one would go through OCT, such role model for the other PNSFs to work Villas at Bukit Batok Members’ Lounge at Chinatown as getting a higher rank would enable towards.” you to do more. For me, I chose it... because I wanted to experience life as Seeing both sides of Discover New Facilities that Bond NSmen and Families an officer leading my men,” NSPI Izhar the coin shared slightly wistfully. As a staff officer to the Head of Members will get to enjoy new facilities such In addition to the perks of going through Operations & Training, NSPI Izhar as a supermarket, a childcare centre and an OCT, such as higher level of leadership has built up his own unique set of enrichment centre to spend ‘quality family time’ training and stronger camaraderie, he experiences. “The good thing about at the clubhouses. Members can also dine at a being an NSPI in a Division is that variety of new eateries including Fig & Olive, FIX also had another reason for joining the you can be both at the frontline and – a halal certified cafe, Saizeriya, Milk and Honey OCT course. “Looking at my platoon the backend as a staff officer. I also Gelato and much more! commander, I took him as my role model. I was inspired to be a role model get deployed for ground operations as for future cadets.” well.”

“My position lets me see the overall Quality over quantity Air-Conditioned Dining Area at Balestier View of Supermarket at Bukit Batok ground situation from the command Posted to the SPF after the course, he leadership’s perspective, their thoughts is not commanding his own unit now, and concerns, as well as appreciate but he is still able to lead as a role the ground perspectives that other Engaging Activities and Events Galore model to other full-time Police National PNSFs experience. In a way, NSPIs Servicemen (PNSFs) in Bedok Police are jacks-of-all-trades. The exposure Singapore’s first multi-shooting arena, Adventure Division. to higher levels of command instils a Centre, gyms and chalets are some of the greater sense of affiliation to the SPF exciting facilities that had been enhanced for a “In Training Command (TRACOM), and to Singapore as a whole.” more challenging experience. Members can also most people see NSPIs as company enjoy more exclusive tie-ups with our partners commanders, where they have a While his past 15 months in SPF did and events such as Sentosa Spooktacular 2014, great influence over a large number not quite turn out as he imagined at the Strong Man Challenge 2014 and Impiana’s of trainees. Posted to Bedok Police start of his NS journey, NSPI Izhar’s international hotels and resorts! Division, I have a smaller number of commitment and positive attitude PNSFs that I work with, so I do not towards NS is leading him towards exert the same influence as company being a trusted leader. Laser Quest Air Lock at Bukit Batok Fitness Workz at Bukit Batok and Balestier commanders,” NSPI Izhar explains.

To stay updated on the clubhouses’ latest developments, privileges, promotions and awesome giveaways, LIKE HomeTeamNS on www.facebook.com/HomeTeamNS. Sign up as a HomeTeamNS member at www.hometeamns.sg

SC Mok Wen Jie 08 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 09

TACTICALPUBLIC TRAINING ORDER SSI Amiruddin Ramli, Special Operations Command By & SC/Cpl Muhammad Alif Bin Sapuan

When a full-time Police National Serviceman (PNSF) dons the blue uniform, he is no different from 3 any regular officer. In the Special Operations Command’s School of Public Order Training for example, the PNSFs “are of equal standard as the regular officers – they go through the same kind Stairs and Corridor Clearance of trainings and some even went for a medic course for two months,” said Senior Station Inspector The column of six PNSFs Amiruddin Ramli, a Public Order Tactical Trainer. Police Life presents a look into the training that systematically clears the stairs and the PNSFs underwent one morning. corridors of any danger. They tackle one floor at a time, securing entrances and exits, dominating the building.

1 Working with Riot Shields The PNSFs are guided by Senior Station Inspector Amiruddin on the 4 execution of the Interlocking and ‘Roof- Tactical On’ Drill. This tactic provides protection Ladder Drill from projectiles from the top and sides. The same column sets up and deploys It will be adopted when entering a the Tactical Ladder to access the building with rioters and protesters second floor of a building as the ground armed with projectiles overlooking floor is barricaded or obstructed. They troopers’ ground movement. then did a quick ascent via the ladder.

5 “Angry man” 2 Tactics The PNSFs deal with an armed man Building in a confined room. In groups of two Entry Tactics or more, they try to corner the armed ”Missiles” (Projectiles) are lobbed and man before subduing him. Senior thrown by the trainers from the upper Station Inspector Amiruddin reminds floors of an apartment block towards the PNSFs not to show their back to the approaching six-men column. the armed man.

SSgt Chee Yong Tat 10 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 11 HERITAGE BREWING MORE TEETH IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME SUPPORTBy SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin WITH THE PNS(F) By Reproduced from Police Life 1976 Singapore literally relies heavily on “man” power to The 2000-strong Police National Service (Full-time) component which turned a year old sustain its safety and defense. That is why National in July 1976 is already emerging as an effective force, making its presence felt in various Service (NS) is the bedrock of Singapore. Yet, in spheres in the Police Force and the local community. a survey conducted by the National University of Singapore’s Institute of Policy Studies in 2013, two out of five respondents felt that employers prefer to hire people without NS commitments. Police Life finds out what one employer has to say.

s Alicia Teoh is the owner “It would be a big challenge should all of Cafe Haus situated near of them get recalled at the same time. I Chinatown. Despite being a can easily hire part time service crew to MMalaysian, she is no stranger to NS, serve the customers. But as we operate as she manages four NSmen in her a café, we need skilled Baristas more company. than service crew,” said Ms Teoh.

All four NSmen work as baristas in her Nonetheless, workarounds are always café. Ms Teoh has no issues making possible. She will gladly allow them work arrangements when any of them is to fulfill their NS duties if she is given away on NS duties. Having the NSmen ample time to plan for temporary recalled at different times helps make replacements. I strongly encourage more companies to her manpower planning easier. hire these people (NSmen) as they possess Responsible men who can It all boils down to be depended upon a more positive attitude towards work and planning ahead Even though these NSmen can be thus will value add to the company.” However, she admits that recalls can away for up to 18 days in one recall,

pose some difficulties to businesses. Ms Teoh is not shying away from hiring Ms Alicia Teoh

staff with NS commitments. In fact, she is encouraging more companies to hire NSmen.

Looking at Vigilante Constable (VC) (NS) Daniel Ng, one of the NSmen in her team, Ms Teoh explains, “I think those who have undergone NS are more matured and responsible. They ccording to Assistant maximum utilization of police manpower PNS(F) personnel through interaction are aware of what they are doing and Superintendent of Police reserves in vertical policing of high-rise and participation in a common require less supervision to complete (ASP) Special Duties, Mr apartments and HDB flats. Mr Yeow programme. “It also aims at breaking their tasks.” AYeow Yew Toong, the full-time NS said, “Since their deployment, PNS(F) the monotony of routine duties in the “Alicia trusts me to carry out tasks men have been of great assistance to personnel have accounted for 1500 service and promoting a more congenial independently. She even ropes me the Regular Force in crime prevention arrests, 163 convictions and 1010 working atmosphere,” he added. in to discuss and plan promotional operations by increasing Police patrols cases including armed robbery, theft, events for the store,” said VC (NS) in a number of neighbourhoods. possession of offensive weapons, drug Since the inception of the Police Ng, who has been working in the café trafficking and illegal immigrants.” National Service (Full-time) in July 1975, He said, “With the posting of the the Police have enlisted five separate the last six months after completing PNS(F) personnel to all land divisions “These NS men have worked on a intakes of Special Constable and his NS. and units there is now widespread “gotong royong” project to help metal the Vigilante Corp National Servicemen, These help to upgrade their skills in deployment in strengthening the With the Committee to Strengthen 350-metre long Jalan Tangki in the Jalan and one batch of cadet officers. Police professionalism as well as re- regular police anti-crime patrol round- NS’s recommendation of enhancing Eunos area and performed yeoman orientate them after a change from one the-clock in the Neighbourhood awards for employers supportive of service by weeding grass plots and Besides the three-month Basic Training phase of duty to another. The change of Policing Structure throughout our NS, more companies will hopefully pruning hedges at the Woodlands Home at the Police Academy and further duty is to sustain their interest and boost island Republic.” support NS and the NSmen in their for the Aged. These community service in-service training at Divisional and their morale so as to make deployment employment. The deployment of full-time NS programmes, according to ASP Yeow, Unit levels, PNS(F) personnel also go during their period of 24 months National men has been made in line with the will promote better relations amongst through periodic refresher courses. Service more meaningful.

SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin 12 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 13

HELPING BEYOND HIS NS COMMITMENTS

Having assumed the role of Chief involved some 3,000 NSmen through Executive Officer more than four years dialogues, surveys and focus groups to ago in two local companies, Deputy identify their needs and views on the Assistant Commissioner of Police association. Some of the new facilities (DAC) (NS) Benjamin Tan Beng Jin in the transformed HTNS will include a (above right) possesses a wealth of supermarket chain, a childcare centre Keong, is also all for the matching “The invaluable experience gained experience in the hospitality industry. and Singapore’s first multi-shooting of servicemen’s skills and at PAD gave me an edge when I It was little surprise then that his arena. preferences during NS. was searching for a job and also expertise was called upon to aid in the Before being roped in to help in the gave me the upper hand when I transformation of the HomeTeamNS HTNS transformation, DAC (NS) Tan, “Apart from the obvious benefits was negotiating for a better pay (HTNS), a recreational association was fulfilling his NS commitment as NS for the serviceman, the Force package. My employer was very that serves the Home Team’s 260,000 Commander of Airport Police Division. also stands to gain from the interested in the work I did at PAD past and present NSmen. He clearly relishes the opportunity to MORE NSF’s skills set. In Jiawei’s and I was also able to benefit my “I was able to provide applicable contribute to NS as he has gained so case, his background in mass company by contributing fresh insight into the financial aspects, much from it. communications made him ideal ideas that I picked up during my start-up requirements and operational for his job posting. He required little NS,” SC (NS) Goh said. ”My NS experience, particularly with details in relation to the new HTNS coaching and was able to support the SPF, has had the single largest He did not have any official developments in these areas,” said the operational requirements impact on my life, both professionally recognition and accreditation of DAC (NS) Tan. OPPORTUNITIES of the department quickly and and personally. When I was a full-time effectively. We were in need of a these skills in any documents Now the Deputy Director in the School NS officer at a land division, I learnt FOR OUR NATIONAL bilingual PNSF with some form of that he could show. So he is of Hospitality in Republic Polytechnic, to be thorough in planning and to be media training and he fit the bill naturally supportive of another DAC (NS) Tan had reviewed the nimble, flexible and to always remain perfectly.” CSNS recommendation to have By SC Mok Wen Jie & HTNS Sembawang resort operations focussed, objective and practical, SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin the serviceman’s skills reflected SERVICEMEN and food & beverage operations and especially when things do not go SC (NS) Goh certainly gained in his Certificate of Service, so concepts. He was also tasked to according to plan during execution. hen the recommendations Service (NS) are important in the Jumping at the chance for a “I was surprised, albeit pleasantly, to from his NS experience. “The 18 that they can be better valued by explore and develop new services and I learnt how to remain calm under made by the Committee to future and careers of these national relevant job scope be given the opportunity to join the months I spent in the department employers, educational institutions servicemen. Matching their skills to PAD. Like many of my squad mates, facilities concepts. pressure, because the officers that you Strengthen National Service SC (NS) Goh Jiawei served his NS in reaffirmed my desire to work in the and the wider society. worked with depended on you for clear W(CSNS) were first announced in the their vocation is thus vital in enhancing I was worried about where I would communications field.”It was the the Police’s Public Affairs Department “The proposal phase was challenging the operational effectiveness of both be posted to and whether I would be “I hope that more NSFs benefit direction, especially as senior officer.” middle of the year, I was immediately (PAD) after completing his basic perfect preparation for my career.” from day one, for us NSmen involved. the servicemen and the department able to cope with the job scope of the same way I did, now that there drawn to the recommendation about police training at the Home Team We had heavy personal and full-time job “I have absolutely no doubt that today, they are serving in. my posting,” SC (NS) Goh shared. would be some form of official providing more opportunities for our Academy in 2010. At that time, he had Acknowledging their responsibilities to juggle whilst applying I am a better father, friend, leader, national servicemen. “When the chance came up, I took it accreditation for skills gained I knew that for some time, the Police just completed his Diploma in Mass work ourselves fully to the proposal phase colleague and team-mate, and can up without any hesitation.” during National Service,” SC (NS) tasks at hand,” said DAC (NS) Tan. contribute better to any role that I have Apart from the general life lessons has been deploying servicemen in a Communications and was asked by SC (NS) Goh has been working Goh said. manner that takes into account their the Officer-in-Charge of his Squad in the corporate communications to play in society,” said DAC (NS) Tan. that all national servicemen gain, I Indeed, the transformation was not skills and preferences where possible. if he was keen to be deployed to the A win-win situation department of one of the largest am a strong believer that many of the an easy journey as the process technical, support, leadership and One such example is a NSman I met PAD. The 25-year-old’s former supervisor, listed companies in Singapore specialist skills gained during National recently. Superintendent of Police Lau Kian since 2012.

SC Mok Wen Jie and Airport Police Division 14 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 15

SC (NS) Goh Jiawei and By FROM BOYS SC/Cpl Muhammad Alif Bin Sapuan BEINGABOUT NATIONAL POSITIVE SERVICE By SC Mok Wen Jie TOThe journey of every PolicePOLICEMEN officer begins at the Home Team Academy (HTA). As the core training centre for the Singapore Police Force (SPF), it is the place where every officer is moulded and In September last year, Madam Hazlinah Yaacob watched as her son, SC/Cpl Abdul Hadi Bin Shaari, shaped into officers of integrity and courage. enlisted with the Singapore Police Force (SPF). After almost a year, Police Life finds out how she continues to support her son, as well as her thoughts about National Service (NS) from a Choo said, “The most thrilling incident I parent’s viewpoint. have attended was a housebreaking in progress. The thief was trying to steal Encouraging him Furrowing her eyebrows, she pauses, valuables from an open window of a and then quickly adds, “To be honest, particular unit and fled after he spotted to be independent us.” SC/Sgt Choo and his partner eighbourhood Police Centre I am very worried...they look after gave chase immediately and called for Officers (NPCOs) like SC/Cpl Singapore, but they have to look after assistance. Together with officers who Hadi have some of the harshest themselves as well. However, I am drove around the area in a patrol car, Nwork schedules. They work in shifts, a confident that he will not be alone the thief was eventually cornered. “The drastic departure from a standard office there, there would be a close knit team satisfaction of apprehending the culprit hour job. Mdm Hazlinah takes this together with him... If everybody were was indescribable. Although we knew positively. “I cannot constantly remind to be so scared, then who would want the area better than the thief who was him to manage his time responsibly, to be a police officer, who would want running aimlessly, without the help from since our schedules greatly differ now to protect all of us?” my other colleagues, it would have been due to his shift work. So I let him take challenging to pin him down,” he said. care of his own schedule...Ultimately, Positive thinking is he will learn to be more responsible important Emerging as Dependable with his time, which is good, as he will Mdm Hazlinah believes that one should Officers learn to be independent.” be positive about NS. “Don’t take it as As the 22-year-old has ended his two if it is boring and difficult, because if However, that does not mean that year full-time National Service some you are fixated on that idea, your time months back, he reflected on the stint there is no family time. “When the in NS will be unproductive. If you think and has a word of advice for future family wishes to spend time together, positively, you look forward to learning enlistees. we arrange our schedule according new things, spending time with friends, to his time. I would only cook special and at the same time spending time “Your journey will be full of excitement meals when he is around, as I don’t with your family; you will go through ike many other regular officers, Skills for Life there were times when I was in a state and it will be enriching. You will come want him to miss out on that,” said NS smoothly.” across situations that you might not Police full-time National Now a Neighbourhood Police Centre of shock while attending to critical cases Mdm Hazlinah. have a chance elsewhere. Treat your Besides the usual family time, parents Servicemen (PNSFs) tend to Officer serving at the Geylang such as people attempting suicide. It took time here as a learning experience can also support their sons by providing Lapproach the Police Officers’ Basic a lot of persuasion to prevent the person A Parent’s Worry Neighbourhood Police Centre, he sees and with a positive mindset. I assure more positive thinking. Mdm Hazlinah Course with trepidation and anxiety, several benefits from the five months from committing suicide and to get down that you will not regret serving your When asked about how she felt about explains: “What you have to do is to worried about being thrown into the from the window ledge safely. There A MOTHER’S VIEW spent training at the HTA. her son being posted as an NPCO, motivate your child, and be positive. were also times when I was taunted by National Service.” BENEFITS OF NATIONAL SERVICE deep end with a group of people they she replies, “I encouraged him, You should not say things like NS is a “Looking back, I learnt a lot during the complainants who questioned my ability barely know. Each PNSF’s journey is unique, but because I feel that this would allow waste of time. You try not to pump in all basic course: from the various laws because of my age.” one thing is certain: they emerge him to experience real life situations the negative things into their thoughts. SC/CPL Nur Naufal S/O Abdul Halal in Singapore to basic police defence “NS will definitely develop the confidence and discipline in our sons. You Albeit his challenges, there were some from National Service as motivated in the outside world. So he has to be Try to tell them that they are there to was one such trainee. tactics to life saving and first aid. These can see the boys really turn into men, with all the physical and mental fond memories. Valuing teamwork and individuals, equipped with the right skills learn something new, and have fun in lessons and skills that I picked up disciplined and responsible to take care training. This will nurture them into better persons in the future, be trust from his colleagues, SC/SGT to be police officers we can count on. the process.” “I can still remember the night before are not just applicable during the two of himself while performing his duties.” mentally tougher and able to push on no matter what hardship they will enlistment as I kept tossing and years of national service but also to my face later on in their lives.” turning in bed. I had a lot of concerns everyday life outside of the Force.” and doubts about making new friends “If they do not go through NS, they might get the misconception that life out and fitting in. During the confinement “Overall, I’m proud to say that I am now Going through these two years of there is so easy. Going through these two years of hardships and lessons period, I also had to get used to the way someone who is more independent will enable them to appreciate life better and be more responsible.” the hierarchy system works and there and responsible than I was before,” he hardships and lessons will enable them were a lot of rules and regulations to beamed. to appreciate life better and be more “Even having fun with your friends in NS, that is bonding, through which abide to,” he recounted. you come to respect people of various races and walks of life, so that A Whole Range responsible...they will not realise it, until when you go out into the world and work, you have the ability to relate “Fortunately, my anxieties were of Experiences to other people.” unfounded and I managed to bond Jurong Police Division Ground one day when something happens, that instantly with my squad mates. With Response Force officer SC/SGT Leon “They are constantly learning new things, such as problem solving, people these new friends of mine, I made it Choo is another officer who has grown they have learnt how to handle such an management, teamwork...all these things happen in the real world, so through the compulsory confinement leaps and bounds because of his event during NS going through that at an earlier age will really help you later in your life. period without any major problems. No national service experience. They will not realise it, until one day when something happens, that they words could describe my feelings when realise they have learnt how to handle such an event during NS.” “When I first started, there were a lot the day for my first book out finally came.” of obstacles that I faced. For example,

SC Mok Wen Jie SC Mok Wen Jie