Singapore Police Force

Infobox Police Department
name = Singapore Police Force

motto =
established = 1819
jurisdiction = National
sworn = 37341
non-sworn =
CSO = 1,246
stations = 97
policeboats = 61
commissioner = Khoo Boon Hui

The Singapore Police Force (Abbreviation: SPF; Chinese: 新加坡警察部队; Malay: Pasukan Polis Singapura; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர் காவல் துறை) is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and order in the city-state [ [http://www.photius.com/countries/singapore/national_security/singapore_national_security_public_order_and_int~1587.html Singapore PUBLIC ORDER AND INTERNAL SECURITY - Flags, Maps, Economy, History, Climate, Natural Resources, Current Issues, International Agreements, Population, Social Statistics, Political System ] ] . Formerly known as the Republic of Singapore Police (Abbreviation: RSP; Malay: Polis Republik Singapura), it has grown from an 11-man organisation to a 38,587 strong force. It enjoys a relatively positive public image, [cite news | publisher = The Straits Times | date = 24 January 2000 | title = Good job, police ] and is credited for helping to arrest Singapore's civic unrests and lawlessness in its early years, and maintaining the low crime rate today [cite news | publisher = The Straits Times | date = 29 January 2000 | title = Singapore is so safe some don't even lock up: survey ] despite having a smaller police-citizen ratio compared to other major cities [ [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/364655/1/.html Channelnewsasia.com ] ] .

The organisation structure of the SPF is split between the staff and line functions, roughly modelled after the military [http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/ascii/wfbcjsin.txt] . There are currently 15 staff departments and 13 line units. The headquarters is located in a block at New Phoenix Park in Novena, adjacent to a twin block occupied by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

History

Early years

The Singapore Police Force has a heritage almost as old as that of modern Singapore, having been formed in 1819 with a skeleton force of 11 men under the command of Francis James Bernard, son-in-law of William Farquhar, and kept in operation with a monthly budget of $300. Manpower constraints meant that the men had to perform a wide range of roles, and required the help of headmen amongst the various ethnic communities to maintain orderliness on the streets, all the more possible as the communities lived in segregated areas around the city.

This partnership with the community was in line with Sir Stamford Raffles' vision of a thriving colony largely self-regulated by local social structures, with the British masters administrating it via indirect rule. The large influx of migrants from China, however, began to test this system when the hands-off approach by the British allowed secret societies in Singapore to thrive. Although originally formed with legal intentions of community bonding and the provision of assistance to fellow migrants, these societies gradually became influential, competitive, and increasingly engaged in illegal activity including monetary extortion from the masses, the operation of gambling dens, and the smuggling of illegal goods on top of more legal commercial operations to meet their financial needs.

Competition gradually heated up between large rival factions, such as that between the larger Ghee Hin Kongsi, the Ghee Hock Kongsi and the Han San Kongsi. Murders, mass riots, kidnappings, arson and other serious crimes became commonplace in the next four decades since the colony's founding. Faced with violent acts of crime which may involve thousands, such as the funeral riots of 1846 involving 9,000 members from the Ghee Hin and Ghee Hock secret societies, the police force was woefully incapable of bringing the situation under control, and often had to call in the army for assistance. The escalating number of serious crimes prompted the need for stronger legislation to deter would-be criminals. Singapore's first executions were thus held in the wake of the first criminal session in June 1828, when a Chinese and Indian were found guilty and convicted for murder.

Headed by Europeans and predominantly staffed by Malay and Indian officers, the force had little Chinese representation as the military and policing professionals were traditionally shunned by the Chinese community, which therefore impaired policing efforts amongst the large Chinese populace. In 1843, the force comprised a sitting magistrate doubling up as a superintendent, three European constables and an assistant native constable, 14 officers and 110 policemen. With a total strength of no more than 150 men, the police was compelled to avoid direct intervention in these mass acts of violence, else risking almost total annihilation.

A repeat of this scenario occurred in 1851, when lingering displeasure against Roman Catholic ethnic Chinese erupted into major rioting leaving over 500 Chinese dead. The army was called in again, although it involved having to induct Indian convicts into military service almost overnight. In 1854, twelve consecutive days of violence sparked by a dispute between the Hokkiens and Teochews disrupted trade. This particular incident led to the formation of the military's Singapore Rifle Corps on 8 July 1854, the earliest predecessor of the Singapore Armed Forces' People's Defence Force today.

Criminal violence was not merely in the domain of the ethnic Chinese, however. Rivalries between Malay princes and communities also often result in acts of violence, which prompted the passing of Singapore's first arms law in March 1823 restricting the right to bear arms to 24 of the Malay Sultan's followers. Nearly two centuries later, these anti-arms laws continue to be strictly enforced, resulting in a society relatively free from firearms-related criminal offences.

Incidents

Heritage

Police Pledge

"We pledge to be loyal and true to the Police service and the Republic of Singapore."

"We pledge to uphold the law, to protect life and property, to prevent and detect crime."

"We pledge to discharge our responsibilities without fear or favour, regardless of race, language or religion."

"We pledge to strive for excellence, to be proactive and to exercise initiative in our duties."

"We pledge to serve our community and our country and to be courteous and humane in our dealings with every fellowman."

Organisation structure

Police Headquarters

Finances

The Singapore Police Force receives the highest budget allocation annually compared to the various departments of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), regularly accounting for about 50% ot its annual budget. For the financial year 2006 (for the year beginning 1 April 2006), S$2.27 billion was budgeted to the MHA, of which 52.8%, or S$1.28 billion was allocated for the Police Programmehttp://www.mof.gov.sg/budget_2006/expenditure_estimates/attachment/MHA_EE2006.pdf] . Actual expenses in the 2006 financial year was S$1.33 billion, of which S$1.14 billion was spent on operating expenditure (against the budgeted S$1.10 billion) and S$188.28 million on development expenditure (budgeted at $171.52 million). Manpower costs amounting to S$709.11 million continue to dominate the SPF's expenditure, accounting for 62.2% of its operating expenditure and 53.4% of total expenditure in FY2006.

enior police officers

Weapons and equipment

Police officers in the various divisions are armed when conducting regular uniformed patrols and plainclothes duties. A force-wide change from the Smith & Wesson .38 revolver to the Taurus Model 85 was undertaken in August 2002, featuring a laser sight and a new snatch-resistant holster. A new speedloader was introduced in the same year to replace the old bullet pouch, allowing for quicker reloading of the revolvers and reducing the likelihood of misplaced bullets. In 2001, the [http://www.batons.com/batons.asp Monadnock] PR-21 side handle baton (more commonly known as the T-baton) replaced the wooden batons and retractable nightsticks to enhance their defensive capabilities. In addition, each officer is issued with one pair of handcuffs.

The primary communication tool carried by each officer is through a digital radio set provided by Matra Nortel Communications [ [http://www.spf.gov.sg/prints/plm/2005/mar05_pg01.htm Singapore Police Force - Police Life Monthly ] ] , the same provider for other Home Team organisations such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force. A trial of individual palmtops (called mPOD), developed from the Hewlett-Packard Jornada 928, which allows officers to screen persons and vehicles on the go without having to rely on radio communication. There are currently no plans to roll out the mPOD forcewide as the results of the trial were not considered favourable.

Also currently on trial by officers from Bukit Merah East Neighbourhood Police Centre and Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre is the Taser X26 stun gun, which provides another non-lethal means of subduing suspects. Despite some safety concerns due to incidents experienced by foreign police forces, the weapon was deemed suitable for use by trained personnel, and was rolled out in phases across other NPCs [ [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/319531/1/.html Channelnewsasia.com ] ] .

Strict enforcement of anti-arm laws which are in existence in Singapore since 1823 has resulted in a relatively gun-free society, where firearms-related crimes are rare. It is therefore not an operational requirement for police officers to don bulletproof vests when conducting normal policing duties. However, these vests are carried in police vehicles and stocked in police establishments and can be rapidly utilised should the situation requires it. From 2004, new multi-purpose vests were introduced which offer the officer protection against most handgun fire, knife thrusts, as well as doubling up as a buoyancy vests should the officer fall into deep water.

In 2006, the Singapore Police Force acquired new firearms for the Special Operations Command, namely the Sphinx 3000 pistol. Prior to this, the standard issue for the SOC was the Sig Sauer P226 pistol, also operated by the Singapore Armed Forces. Glock 19 and Heckler & Koch USP pistols are also known to be used by Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR), Security Command and the Police Coast Guard's Special Task Squadron. The Singapore Police Force, also use the Heckler & Koch MP5.

Vehicles

Land division officers typically respond to calls in rapid-deployment vehicles known as the Fast Response Car (FRC). The SPF have been staunch users of Japanese-made saloon cars since the 1980s for patrol duties, with the mainstay models in use being the various generations of the Mitsubishi Lancers, Mazda 323s and Toyota Corollas. At the turn of the century they have also included Nissan Sunnys, and most recently acquired Subaru Impreza 1.6 TS sedans (not to be confused with the Subaru Impreza WRX used by the Traffic Police). All FRCs carry a large array of equipment to allow officers to conduct normal policing duties and basic investigative work which officers are expected to perform with the implementation of the Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) system. A typical FRC vehicle may therefore stock equipment for the force-opening of locked doors, conducting roadblocks, fingerprint collection, and the provision of first aid. On top of these, chemical agent protection equipment and bulletproof vests are also carried for the officer's protection.

In 2002, the Enhanced Patrol Vehicle Project was unveiled at the SPF's annual workplan seminar to highlight the need for off-road capability. The Volvo V70 AWD XC, Mitsubishi Space Wagon and Mitsubishi Chariot underwent evaluation in various NPCs. Eventually, all NPCs were to have at least three of such vehicles, but the project was met with skepticism by some of the public, stating that the police need not use such "luxurious vehicles" for police patrols. In 2004, the new Fast Response Vehicle (FRV) was introduced, consisting of cheaper modified Toyota Hi-Lux sport utility vehicles. These vehicles utilise diesel-power which provide greater ability to endure high usage on the roads over extensive periods of time. Their bigger storage space also allows for easier storage and retrieval of equipment.

Other vehicles typically used in NPCs include the scooters and vans. Bicycles, although currently less seen, are still used by land division officers occasionally, particularly when conducting routine patrols in large, sprawling private housing estates. At NDP 2007, the Singapore Police Force unveiled a Tenix S600 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) had been purchased for its operations for the Special Operations Command.

"For weaponry, equipment and vehicles of the various specialist forces, please see their respective pages for details."

=Auxiliary Police Forces=

*Aetos Security Management Private Limited (CIAS / PSA / ST Kinetics)
*CISCO Security Private Limited - The oldest and largest auxiliary.
*Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) Auxiliary Police Force
*Corporate Security and Revenue Scrutiny (CREUNCSE) Auxiliary Police Force

Defunct Units/Facilities

*Old Police Academy (Coord|01|19|47|N|103|50|11|E|type:Police) - vacated in 2006, relocated to Old Choa Chu Kang Road as part of the Home Team Academy, status pending.
*Geylang Police Division (Coord|01|19|35|N|103|53|26|E|type:Police) defunct 'C' Division HQ - closed and vacated in 2000, areas of responsibility was divided between 'A', 'F' & 'G' Divisions. Station's status - Pending.
*Toa Payoh Police Division (Coord|01|20|23|N|103|51|0|E|type:Police) defunct 'B' Division HQ - closed and vacated in 1988, areas of responsibility was divided between 'E' & 'F' Divisions. Station was refurbished and is currently in use by Security Command.

Land Divisions

*Beach Road Police Station (Coord|01|17|50|N|103|51|26|E|type:Police) - former site of 'A' Division HQ, vacated in 2000, released for use by private developers.
*Eu Tong Sen Street Police Station (Coord|01|16|59|N|103|50|29|E|type:Police) - former HQ site of CAD, CID & VSC since 1994, vacated in 2001. Station status pending.
*Joo Chiat Police Station (Coord|01|18|19|N|103|54|15|E|type:Police) - former site of 'G' Division HQ, vacated in 1987, released for use by private developers.
*Old Hill Street Police Station (Coord|01|17|26.61|N|103|50|53.31|E|type:Police) - vacated in 1980, this old police station and barracks was refurbished and rebuilt in 2001, it currently houses the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts of Singapore.
*Paya Lebar Police Station (Coord|01|21|06|N|103|52|34|E|type:Police) - former site of 'F' Division HQ, vacated in 1987, released for use by 2nd Division HQ SCDF.
*Queenstown Police Station (Coord|01|17|49|N|103|47|58|E|type:Police) - former site of 'D' Division HQ, vacated in 1988, released for use by 1st Division HQ SCDF.
*Old Tanglin Police Station (Coord|01|18|21|N|103|49|20|E|type:Police) - former site of 'E' Division HQ, vacated in 2001, status pending.
*Taman Jurong Police Station (Coord|01|19|38|N|103|43|14|E|type:Police) - vacated in 1980 and demolished in 1988, the surrounding land at the site has been redeveloped as a HDB housing precinct.
*Ama Keng Police Sub-station (Coord|01|24|12|N|103|42|5|E|type:Police) sited directly across the road from Ama Keng Chinese Temple in Lim Chu Kang, the station was closed and vacated in 1980, duties taken over by Jurong Police Division.
*Bukit Panjang Police Sub-station
*Pasir Panjang Police Sub-station (Coord|01|17|30|N|103|46|6|E|type:Police) - closed and vacated in 1986 following the inauguration of Pasir Panjang NPP & West Coast NPP. Demolished in 1991, the surrounding land at site was redeveloped as a private condominium - "The Spectrum".
*Woodlands Police Sub-station (Coord|01|26|38|N|103|46|13|E|type:Police) - closed in 1999 (located within the old Woodlands Checkpoint building since 1980), Woodlands Neighbourhood Police Centre has since taken over its duty.
*Kranji Police Post (Coord|01|26|10|N|103|45|3|E|type:Police) - closed and vacated in 1997 following the inauguration of Yew Tee NPP, building was demolished for land clearing to build factory.

Police Coast Guard

*Kallang Regional Base (Coord|01|18|15|N|103|52|16|E|type:Police) - vacated in 2007, relocated to Brani Regional Base at Pulau Brani, status pending.
*Jurong Regional Base (Coord|01|18|31|N|103|42|39|E|type:Police) - vacated in 1999, relocated to Gul Regional Base, base was demolished to make way for the Jurong Island Highway.
*Pulau Sakeng Police Post (Coord|01|12|36|N|103|46|41|E|type:Police) - closed and vacated in 1987 after the last islander left, the island was subsumed by the land reclamation process of the nearby Pulau Semakau. The Semakau landfill receiving station was built on top of the island after the reclamation process.

In popular culture

Books
*"In the service of the nation", 1985
*"", 1987
*"", 1998
*"Policing Singapore in the 19th & 20th centuries", 2002
*"Justice is Done", 2005
*"The Adventures of Constable Acai, 1987: A series of crime stories, based on actual crimes from police files were compiled into story books from the popular children's magazine Young Generation, about the adventures of a fictional policeman named Constable Acai. They were written by officers from the Crime Prevention Department to instill crime awareness in children during the 80's through to the mid 90's. The other books in this series are as below:
*"More Adventures of Constable Acai, 1989
*"Constable Acai Fights Crime, 1996

Novels
*"Operation Firestorm", 1997

Periodicals
*"Singapore Police Magazine"
*"Police Life", 1971 to present
*"Police Life Annual"

Non-Fictional Television programs
*"Crimewatch", 1986-2007
*"True Files", 2002-2007

Fictional Television programs
*"Seletar Robbery" (实里达大劫案), 1982
*"CID '83", 1983
*"First Step" (踏上征途), 1986: On women in the police force
*"Patrol" (铁警雄风), 1989: A take on the lives of the men in the Traffic Police Department
*"Crime and Passion" (執法先鋒), 1991
*"Triple Nine", 1995-1998: On the adventures of a CID team.
*"City Cops" (城市双雄), 1996
*"Of Cops And Men" (警网双雄), 1996
*"Dare To Strike" (扫冰者), 14 November 2000: the phrase "Dare to Strike" is the motto of the Central Narcotics Bureau
*"The Reunion" (顶天立地), 26 December 2001
*"Heartlanders", 2002-2005: On two Neighbourhood Police Centre officers
*"True Heroes" (城市英雄), 5 May 2003: On a rookie Neighbourhood Police Centre officer
*"The Frontline" (家在前线), 2003: This fictional six-part TV show depicts how Singaporeans cope after the German mastermind of a neo-anarchist organisation sets off a bomb at a naval base as an anti-imperialistic statement against Singapore's ties with the United States. It showcases the capabilities of the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Armed Forces to deal with terrorism. It must be noted that many technologies introduced in this series has never been before shown to the public. It is also the only local television series to date to accurately depict the Police's elite Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR) team and the Army's Special Operations Forces (SOF) although the latter unit was never addressed by name in the show. They were instead referred to as "The Commandos".
*"Police & Thief", 2004-2007
*"Life Line", 2005-2007
*"Without Warning", 2006
*"C.I.D." (刑警2人组), 12 June 2006
*"Metamorphosis" (破茧而出), 18 September 2007

Movies
*"The Last Blood" (驚天十二小時), 1991
*"2000 AD" (公元2000), 1999 [cite news | publisher = Lianhe Zaobao | date = 22 November 1999 | title = Aaron Kwok stole police car in S'pore? ]
*"After School" (放学后), 2004: A film released by the National Crime Prevention Council to harness the power of cinema as a public education tool to reach out to young Singaporeans and their families.

ee also

*Major crimes in Singapore
*Law enforcement in Singapore
*List of law enforcement agencies
*Internal Security Department
*Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau

References

*"In the Service of the Nation", John Drysdale, Federal Publications, 1985 ISBN 9971-4-0703-5
*"Phoenix: the story of the Home Team ", Felix Soh, Times Editions, 2003 ISBN 981-232-637-5
*"Policing Singapore in the 19th & 20th centuries", Peer M. Akbur, Singapore Police Force, 2002 ISBN 981-04-7024-X
*"Singapore Police Force Annual", Singapore Police Force, several editions

Notes

External links

* [http://www.spf.gov.sg/ Singapore Police Force]
* [http://reference.allrefer.com/country-guide-study/singapore/singapore163.html Organization, Recruitment, and Training of Police]
* [http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-11922.html Public Order and Internal Security (1989)]
* [http://www.spf.gov.sg/sites/spfband/index.htm Singapore Police Force Band]
* [http://courses.nus.edu.sg/course/socsja/rice/idris/index.htm Training the Police]
* [http://www.getformesingapore.com/Info_police.htm Police-related Singapore news]
* [http://ourstory.asia1.com.sg/independence/lifeline/bcspf.html Crossing the generation gap]