VOLUME 40 NO. 9

Peace and Cooperation through Music Never Judge a Plastic Bag by its Colour LEAP FOR LEADERSHIP 02 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 03

CONTENTS

03 06 07 LEAP for Leadership Never Judge a Plastic The Real CSI Bag by its Colour

With so many divisions and departments in the (SPF), and each developing identified leaders in their 08 10 own different ways, there is a need to Peace and Heroes For Life: institute some structure and consistency to Cooperation “If I was born again, the process and programmes in place for through Music I would join the Singapore Police Force” leadership development across the Force. With decentralisation, units ran the risk of missing out essential components of leadership development needed to groom officers for leadership roles in future postings.

12 14 15 Today, officers can look forward to Home Team Elusive but A Classic Setting Volunteers: not Evasive for a Classic Drama tapping on the Learn Equip Act Progress A second chance to fulfil a long (LEAP) Programme, which is the revised time ambition and rebranded Leadership Development Programme (LDP). The LEAP Programme is aimed at ensuring a clear, concise, consistent NOTE FROM THE TEAM COMMITTEE and robust structure to develop leadership competencies of police officers. In this issue, read how our officers are empowered and moulded Editorial Advisor AC Melvin Yong into leaders of the future with the Learn Equip Act Progress (LEAP) Officially launched on 22 Aug 2014 by the Programme. Learn of how the eagle eyes of our Community Chief Editor Policing officers detect crime by spotting a seemingly innocuous DAC Tan Tin Wee Ministry of Home Affairs Deputy Secretary

plastic bag. Join us in conversation with retired Deputy Assistant Senior Editor (Policy), Ms Goh Soon Poh, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr Thambiah Letchamanan as he recounts Ms Leena Rajan Commissioner of Police (Policy), Mr T. Raja his policing days in post-war Singapore and tells us why being a Editor Kumar and Director Manpower, Senior police officer is a calling for life. Ms Tham Yee Lin Assistant Commissioner of Police Tan Hung Having the opportunity to meet these passionate officers and hear Journalists Ms Chew Si Lei Jinnie Hooi at the Police Headquarters auditorium, their stories is what keeps me excited to continue bringing to you SC/Cpl Muhammad Alif Bin Sapuan the event was attended by about 250 police snippets of life in the SPF. I hope such stories also serve as an SC/Cpl Gabriel Chan Duen Yue inspiration to all of us as we go on with our daily pursuit to protect SC Mok Wen Jie officers and senior officers across different

our home and keep Singapore safe. I hope you will enjoy this issue. Photographers units. There was also an opportunity for LEAP SSgt Chee Yong Tat SC/Cpl Gabriel Chan Duen Yue participants to mingle and engage with the Ms Chew Si Lei Jinnie SC Mok Wen Jie Journalist senior leaders. Police Life Design and Production Redbean De Pte Ltd

SSSgt Ng Shi Wei By LEAP FOR Manpower Department

Police Life is a publication of the Singapore Police Force. For feedback or enquiries, please write to the editorial team at [email protected]. The materials in this publication are not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the Editorial Committee. All rights reserved. Whilst we tried to ensure that information provided 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 LEADERSHIP 04 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 05

SPF needs to develop our officers to be effective community leaders and leaders at every level as we strive to be the Force for the Nation aiming to make Singapore the safest place on earth.

Deputy Commissioner (Policy) T. Raja Kumar, in his opening address

A new framework ach year, about 200 police officers Closely guided by the SPF Leadership across all units will be nominated Competency Framework introduced in to participate in the programme. 2004, the LEAP programme focuses on EDriving the programme will be the developing a wide range of leadership Manpower Department (MPD), Training competencies for participants across Command (TRACOM) and the Unit three years: Self Leadership in the first Leadership Development Committees year, Team Leadership in the second (ULDC) led by the respective Deputy year and Strategic Leadership in the Commanders and Directors. Under each third year. ULDC, activity managers pegged at the level of Commanding Officers, Heads Each year, LEAP participants will and Assistant Directors will be tasked go through a pre-identified training to mentor and run the unit leadership programme headed by the TRACOM, development programme (ULDP) for the as well as two ULDP activities headed LEAP participants. by the respective ULDCs

YEAR Self YEAR Team YEAR Strategic 1 Leadership 2 Leadership 3 Leadership

Consistency creates new opportunities 1 ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED EACH YEAR: 3 With the new standardised training 2 scheme for all officers, the new TRACOM One ULDP Activity structure will benefit not only potential Centralised Programme One Fixed with a list of choices leaders, but current ones as well. As Senior Staff Sergeant Wahida ULDP Activity Abdul Aziz, Deputy Officer-in-Charge Overall-in-charge: Manpower Department (Youth), Community Policing Unit, Pasir Ris Neighbourhood Police Centre, said, “The new programme will This new framework provides benefit officers aspiring to be leaders. leadership training for participants For me, this will act as a benchmark (through courses coordinated by the The LEAP Programme creates a consistent framework on what is expected of a leader in the TRACOM), and also exposes them SPF, in addition to personal growth to actual leadership moments and and development.” experience through suitable ULDP in training leaders from all units. Personally, I hope to activities, such as being deployed as Led by the MPD, LEAP is a key nd the In-Charge or 2 In-Charge for improve my leadership skills, particularly my public speaking program under the SPF People Divisional Police Deployments, to build Development Master Plan seeking to up skills, knowledge and higher-order during the first year of the programme which focuses on develop leaders, professionals and thinking process. learners in all our police officers. In support of the Police Transformation The MPD oversees and tracks the developing competencies under Self Leadership. Programme (PTP), the LEAP leadership developmental progress Programme also represents the of all LEAP officers through the yearly SI Jamie Pang Yin Cheng, LEAP Participant Ops Management Division, Operations Department Force’s refreshed efforts in enhancing submission of ULDP progress report of officers’ experience in terms of their the participants. leadership development journey.

SC Mok Wen Jie and Manpower Department 06 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 07

VOICES FROM THE BLUE SC (NS) Mohamed Feroz Jahan By NEVER JUDGE Public Affairs Department A PLASTIC BAG BY

ITSThe instincts of two CommunityCOLOUR Policing Officers led to the detection of two drug offenders.

ergeant (Sgt) Mohamed Idil stairway behaving suspiciously as the while the other man was kept under the man admitted to having consumed Bin Mohamed Ali and Corporal team walked from the fourth floor to the close watch by Tampines North Zone drugs prior to meeting his friend at (Cpl) Dorigo Cai were part of a third. “I alerted my fellow grassroots 5 RC Chairman, Mr Wong See Choon. the stairway but revealed that the bag Steam conducting joint block visits along leaders and the police officers who belonged to the man who had fled. Tampines Street 45 earlier this year. were part of the entourage,” said Run away from a Plastic bag Member of Parliament for Tampines Ms Soh. Sgt Idil and Cpl Cai’s knew Despite the officers’ best efforts, the Inch-perfect instincts Group Representation Constituency, they had to quickly take charge of the fleeing man quickly disappeared from The two Tampines Neighbourhood Mr Baey Yam Keng, representatives situation. The officers thus approached sight. The officers then returned to Police Centre officers had quickly for the Town Council and the Housing the men to strike up a conversation. check on the other man. “We had earlier taken charge of the situation when and Development Board (HDB) and “From their body language during our Residents’ Committee (RC) members spotted a plastic bag being hidden from they sensed something amiss, which interview, we knew they were lying made up the rest of the team. The our sight by the suspect who had fled. earned them praise from Mr Baey. “I through their teeth. Every question friendly visits took a sudden turn at We suspected it could contain some remember the calm of that evening posed to them was met with unease,” about 9.45pm. suspicious contents,” said Sgt Idil. True when I was visiting residents and said Sgt Idil. enough, they found the plastic bag with quietly the police detected something Expect the unexpected When the two men were asked to the person who had been held back fishy. It is impressive how quickly the One of the grassroots leaders, Ms produce their identity cards, one of and it contained items that indicated police had sprung into action. This is Ivy Soh, saw two men seated on the them fled. Both officers gave chase the use of drugs. Upon questioning very assuring to the public. Well done!”

TV DRAMAS VS THE REAL CSI REALITY By SC Mok Wen Jie Popular television series today like “Crime A senior crime scene specialist, Ms Ee Sze Min joined the Scene Investigation (CSI)” often make forensic Singapore Police Force (SPF) in February 2013 after obtaining her investigations appear very quick and easy to solve. Masters of Science, and looking to apply her scientific expertise to In reality, actual forensic analysis of evidence is a very detailed and laborious process, and can take aid in criminal investigation. Police Life finds out more about the weeks or even months at a time. job so often depicted on many crime drama television series.

s Ee is part of the Forensics Ms Ee’s work covers the different chemical techniques deployed by with the Force, I have encountered Division (FD) in the Criminal facets of forensics, ranging from specialists during search and recovery cases from the various CID branches Investigation Department crime scene investigation, and of forensic evidence. and I must say that the learning M(CID), where she assists in major handling forensic developmental “Our systematic approach towards curve is steep yet fulfilling. crimes investigations including projects. Apart from managing crime scene investigation and the It is interesting to use the various murders, serious sexual offences, major crime scenes, she also works deployment of various techniques and disciplines of forensics as a tool to intellectual property rights violation, with the various Land Divisions on equipment will aid in the recovery of specialised crimes and casino crimes. suspicious death cases. evidence, no matter how minute or either help prove or disprove the different theories put forth in each This Division also delves into latent... We strive to recover all these Forensic Investigations crime. The challenging nature of the operational research to identify objective evidence so that justice will job and my earnest passion to serve the latest methods, techniques, “Every contact leaves a trace,” prevail,” says Ms Ee. the public inspired me to join the equipment and emerging says Ms Ee. All crime scenes are thoroughly processed for potential Using forensics to seek Force so that I can help crime victims technologies to enhance SPF’s justice for victims capabilities in tackling crimes evidence. To ensure that the integrity seek justice on their behalf.” committed by an increasingly better- of evidence is not compromised, FD When asked to reflect on her time in educated population. uses specialised equipment and FD, she replies, “In my one-year plus

SC Mok Wen Jie SC Mok Wen Jie 08 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 09 PEACE AND COOPERATION THROUGH MUSIC By SC Mok Wen Jie

After 11 years, Singapore again hosted the World Police Band Concert. Held from 6 to 8 October 2014, three police bands – the Singapore Police Force Band, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Band and the New York City Police Department Band – performed together to spread the message of peace and safety through music, while fostering relationships between the various police communities.

Our Police Photographic Society members captured highlights from the Street Parade and march along the Waterfront Promenade at Marina Bay Sands, and the finale concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall.

SC Mok Wen Jie and Police Photographic Society Members 10 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 1 1

HERITAGE

“Back then, Raffles Girls School was located

Afiq Fitri Bin Alias at Queens Street... The girls had just ended By HEROES FOR LIFE: Home Team News school and was stuck in the middle of hundreds of people fighting,” he said.

Prioritising their safety, he quickly called “IF I WAS BORN AGAIN, the Singapore Armed Forces for trucks to transport the girls back home safely, opening Beach Road Police Station as a temporary I WOULD JOIN THE shelter while waiting for the trucks. “The kids were stranded so it was the most obvious choice to me to use the station as SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE” a shelter. We made calls to the now closed Satay Club to have them come over and Mr Thambiah Letchamanan has seen Singapore through its most difficult times. Starting as provide food for the people in the shelter,” he said with a smile. an inspector in 1952, he rose through the ranks and eventually assumed the rank of Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police. In doing so, he was involved in virtually every major Mr Letchamanan also sent as many officers as he could find to the Boyanese event in Singapore’s post-war history, from the Hock Lee bus riots to the Hotel New World settlement at Crawford Street which was at collapse. Home Team News spoke with him to find out more about his experiences. risk of being attacked by Chinese rioters, to ensure that no more lives would be lost on that day.

“The Boyanese people were the minority in an area that was populated by the Chinese. It was our responsibility to make sure that they were protected,” he said.

At age 34, Mr Letchamanan was a His tasks consisted of overseeing the Senior Inspector in the Singapore transportation of the wounded and Police Force. His handling of the 1964 establishing a main communications racial riots caught the attention of his station so that all the departments superiors and in the wake of the riots could coordinate their rescue efforts. he was immediately promoted to Acting “I was there for the entire period Deputy Superintendent of the Beach of the rescue efforts to make sure Road Police Station. everything was under control, During his tenure, he set up three answering queries from the media police stations in racially sensitive and the public, and most importantly, areas like Gammon Road and Jalan ensuring that the people who were Senang to make sure that peace trapped inside the ship got home was kept between the Chinese and safe,” said Mr Letchamanan. Malays. Mr Letchamanan encouraged Looking back each community to look past their own differences and convinced them Now 80 years old, Mr Letchamanan to protect one another in the event of has put down his baton and service another violent riot. weapon but still keeps his police uniform proudly in his wardrobe. In the aftermath of the 1964 racial riots, he even took charge of the Peace He misses the days he spent serving Committee established by the former the nation and feels a huge sense Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul of achievement for what he had Rahman to ensure that racial harmony accomplished, and rightfully so. Mr between the leaders of the Malay and Letchamanan’s significant involvement Chinese communities was maintained. in the unstable periods during the country’s formative years has helped hen Mr Thambiah Letchamanan few), Mr Letchamanan has played Mr Letchamanan remembers the events after, he was informed of another riot shape Singapore into what it is today. talks about the old days in the significant roles in upholding the law of the 1964 racial riots vividly. He was at Queen Street. Taking control of Singapore Police Force, it isn’t and making sure Singapore was kept on leave that day, and got recalled from Singapore’s worst disaster When asked if he had any regrets, he Wdifficult to imagine him as a young and safe and secure. The only Senior Routine Inspector left simply said no, and that he wouldn’t the Beach Road Police Station where On 12 October 1978, the Greek at the Beach Road Police Station, he passionate police officer who has seen he was posted. tanker Spyros exploded at the Jurong trade a single experience he had for had to take the reins of command. As Singapore grow from a fledgling city state Keeping the peace between Shipyard, killing 76 people and leaving anything. rife with turbulent periods to the secure different races As there was a riot going on at Geylang his officers waited for his orders, Mr 23 injured. “One thing I’ve learned from all those first world country it is today. Serai, his Officer- in- Charge Mr Ratna Letchamanan knew he did not have When asked which event was the years is to always stay alert and never From the Hock Lee bus riots, Chinese Singham and his Superintendent Mr much time to come up with a plan as As the Assistant Commissioner of Police most memorable, he pointed out two take peace for granted,” he said. Abdul Rahman Dabashar were both the riot was getting more violent by high school riots, and the Hotel New events— the 1964 racial riots and the was on leave, Mr Letchamanan had to sent there to take command. Shortly the minute. “If I was born again, I would join the World collapse of 1986 (just to name a Spyros disaster of 1978. take the reins as Acting Commander Of Detachment for the Spyros accident. Singapore Police Force.” he said.

Mabel Yap, Home Team News 12 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 1 3

hen she missed the opportunity to join the HOME TEAM VOLUNTEERS: police force, Gladys Koh Wthought that that spelled the end of her Denise Lee ambition to be a policewoman. Little By Home Team News did she know that years down the road, she would stumble upon the chance to fulfil this long-held aspiration.

Working as a manager at Global Student Services, the 36-year-old A SECOND learned about the Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) through a colleague and jumped at the chance to participate in it.

Established in 1946, the VSC started CHANCE TO out with 150 volunteers and has since grown to its present pool of about 1,100 volunteers, all of whom hail from different walks of life. The volunteer scheme was initiated with the purpose VSC officer Gladys Koh and her fellow Home Team Volunteers of allowing interested individuals the shared about their volunteering experience on Capital 95.8FM. opportunity to participate in police FULFIL A LONG service and assist in the enforcement of law and order in Singapore. Managing her time between her day wandering around the neighbourhood if I want to take on any major duties. job, volunteering commitments and as some of the interesting cases she If I do night duties, I can take leave Ask Gladys what she enjoys about family life is no mean feat but Gladys has handled. the following day to rest. My employer her role as a VSC officer and she shared that with proper planning, it is gives me the flexibility so long as my While volunteering as a VSC officer would cheerily tell you: “I get to see doable: “I plan in such a way that I fulfil main job output isn’t compromised,” may be challenging at times, it has things differently from a civilian, such the minimum monthly requirement of said Gladys. TIME AMBITION its share of perks. “I get to meet and Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) officer Gladys Koh had long nurtured an ambition as witnessing first-hand how cases volunteering hours in the beginning of interact with more people, which I When it comes to doing the job of a are handled.” the month. If I do not have family or to be a policewoman. Though this did not materialise, she is glad to be volunteering as social obligations for the month, I’ll set enjoy. When observing regular police VSC officer well, Gladys stresses: a VSC officer today. Home Team News caught up with her after a recent radio interview “As a VSC officer, I get exposed to aside more time for volunteering.” officers take statements with criminals, “Being passionate about your role different duties. I can do uniform duties I am able to get a glimpse into the is important, as the hours can be with Capital 95.8FM and got her to share more about her volunteering experience. Attached to Bishan NPC for slightly long. Not every duty may appeal to such as patrol and crime prevention, minds of the criminals, which helps me over a year, Gladys’s experience as a you but with passion, everything is as well as plain clothes duties. I understand what motivates them to VSC officer encompasses the exciting doable. One should also have good can also cross over to different commit certain crimes,” Gladys shared. and the unusual. She counts working time management to balance work, Neighbourhood Police Centres (NPC) alongside regular police officers to Having a supportive employer makes volunteering duties and family life. within the same division, which gives hunt down unlicensed money lenders it easier for her to strike a balance Lastly, having a natural curiosity to me an understanding of how cases and secret society members, as well between her day job and volunteering want to see and learn different things vary among NPCs,” she added. as dealing with stark naked suspects duties. “I can request to apply for leave is also ideal.”

VSC officer Gladys Koh finds her volunteer work enriching as it introduces her to new people and experiences. VSC officer Gladys Koh takes pride in her work and stresses the importance of having the passion for it.

Heather Leong, Home Team News 14 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 1 5 BUT NOT A CLASSIC SETTING

SC/Cpl Muhammad By EVASIVE Alif Bin Sapuan ELUSIVEOfficers from the Bedok Police Division pit their grit and determination against a 37-year-old serial housebreaker and emerge victors with his arrest. FOR A CLASSIC

By SC Mok Wen Jie DRAMAThe crack of gunfire at a practice range, the gruelling run in the field, the strict and disciplined training in the parade square: these are some activities that made the Singapore Police Force what it is today. Once familiar scenes were re-enacted for the cameras at the Old Police Academy, as scenes for the drama series Mata Mata 2 were shot on 28 May 2014. Police Life brings to you some highlights of that day.

The stunt manager instructs actors The serial housebreaker hid here but was still arrested by the police. on how to handle the firearms

he culprit had committed a About 60 officers from the Bedok perpetrator to justice. They went to to trace the culprit’s whereabouts after series of break-ins between 26 Police Division, Public Transport MRT stations, convenience stalls and detailed crime analysis and extensive August and 4 September 2014 Security Command, Police Intelligence neighbouring units to conduct checks investigations. On 4 September 2014 Tat private residential estates such as Department (PID) and the Criminal and look for Closed Circuit Television at about noon, the man was arrested in Dunbar Walk, Kurau Terrace, Binchang Investigation Department (CID) were footage of the cuplrit. The officers spent the vicinity of the River. Despite Rise, Chwee Chin Road, Lynwood and involved in the investigation. It was a many hours examining such footage to being surrounded by officers, he Jalan Punai. He seized the opportunity challenging operation as the culprit did narrow down their leads. refused to cooperate. Deputy Officer-in- presented by unsecured doors and not leave any trace behind. Although charge of the Violence-against-Persons The officers from the Bedok Police windows of the residential units and he entered the units, he was careful not Squad, Station Inspector Seow Ming Division conducted operations at entered while the occupants were to leave any sign of forced entry. Huat said, “He turned violent towards asleep. Careful not to make any noise, Kallang and Geylang with the assistance the officers. It was not safe for both the he grabbed all the valuables he could Staying committed and positive, the from the PID. The excellent teamwork officers and the subject because the find before fleeing. officers did all they could to bring the of the officers involved allowed them Kallang River was right in front of us. If we were not careful, we would have Actor Fish Chaar acting as gangster Roy Khoo Re-enactment of a Physical Training (PT) run fallen into the river.”

All their efforts paid off after ten days of investigation. A total of $800 in cash, an assortment of foreign currencies, three mobile phones, two mobile cables, three SIM card adaptors, a disposable surgical mask and a cap were seized from the culprit.

Deputy Commander of the Bedok Police Division, Superintendent of Police Chua Chee Wai said, “This case demonstrates the tenacity and excellent coordination of the officers involved to bring the culprit to task. It serves as a warning to like-minded criminals that Police will spare no effort to track criminals down.” Re-enactment of officers practicing at the firing range in the 1960s

SSgt Chee Yong Tat and The New Paper © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reprinted with permission SC Mok Wen Jie