- Joined
- Feb 12, 2009
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For the early 90's till the day DPM Teo Chee Hean took over command and control of it, the Singapore Police Force, under the Ministry of Home Affairs started deviating from its original aim and priorities to one that seems to betray its original nobl - ie, the security and general well-being of the people of Singapore. In short, an organisation that serve the people and remain apolitical in its approach. A disciplined body that is seen to be fair and impartial to everyone at all times..
In the days gone past, serving police officers were not allowed to become members of any organisation that was in one way or other connected with politics - directly or indirectly. Thus the Force remained aloof and did not have officers who were members of CCC, CCMC, RC and others.
During the 80's, the concept of the Japanese Koban system or neighbourhood police post system was introduced. Its aim was to foster closer interaction with the community as the Force realised that it cannot work effectively if it lacks support from the people. The people has to work closely with the police so that they can become the "eyes and ears" on the ground. The Force, with its shortage of men, cannot be "everywhere everytime".
The implementation of the NPP system was rapid and became and became a success story. So popular was it that that even little kids would walk in after school and address the officers as "uncles and aunties". The uniformed officers from these neighbourhood police posts (NPPs) conducted house-visits and these sort of interaction endeared them further with the general population, who felt that the SPF truly cared. This continued and reached a stage where there was genuine trust between the two (SPF and People). Car, scooter, bicycle and foot patrols brought officers closer to the community. Many neighbouring nations were amazed at the success of the NPP system that they decided to introduce it to their selected cities. (Today even the Indonesian Police, in the fast upcoming tourist destination of North Sulawesi are working to start such a system, as tourists arrivals are increasing by the day.
Singapore did it through the support of the Government and sheer hard work of the officers who implemented it. What a treasured policing system!
Sadly however, all the scenario changed when the 9/11 attack too place in New York. The police stations here became less assessible to the public as new security measures were put in place. Everyone here was viewed with utmost suspicion. Even our brave soldiers in army camps barricaded themselves surrounded by high barbed-wire fencings.
The Immigration and Customs at the land borders stepped up their security and conducted checks that were at times unpleasant.
When the Neighbourhood Police centre was implemented, many NPPs were closed. Some of it were open only in the day and completely closed in the night. It remain so to this day.
The patrols connected with the Koban system (bicycle, foot, etc..) slowly disappeared. Officers in fast airconditioned cars zoomed past. Uniformed police officers were only seen in great numbers during elections, holy occassions (Thaipusam) and during international events staged here.
What started as an astounding success ended on a poor note.
The annoucement of foot patrol lately is a good move. The SPF should go back to the days of the NPP system. It must win over the hearts of the people.
I thus urge DPM Teo Chee Hean to ready a Fact Finding Team tasked with the revival of the good old NPP system of those long gone era when the public interacted well with the men in blue.
Make the SPF into an organisation that serves and protect everyone and that which above all remain apolitical. Don't let other countries pick up the peices we left behind. We were the pioneers and we should treasure it as our own.
In the days gone past, serving police officers were not allowed to become members of any organisation that was in one way or other connected with politics - directly or indirectly. Thus the Force remained aloof and did not have officers who were members of CCC, CCMC, RC and others.
During the 80's, the concept of the Japanese Koban system or neighbourhood police post system was introduced. Its aim was to foster closer interaction with the community as the Force realised that it cannot work effectively if it lacks support from the people. The people has to work closely with the police so that they can become the "eyes and ears" on the ground. The Force, with its shortage of men, cannot be "everywhere everytime".
The implementation of the NPP system was rapid and became and became a success story. So popular was it that that even little kids would walk in after school and address the officers as "uncles and aunties". The uniformed officers from these neighbourhood police posts (NPPs) conducted house-visits and these sort of interaction endeared them further with the general population, who felt that the SPF truly cared. This continued and reached a stage where there was genuine trust between the two (SPF and People). Car, scooter, bicycle and foot patrols brought officers closer to the community. Many neighbouring nations were amazed at the success of the NPP system that they decided to introduce it to their selected cities. (Today even the Indonesian Police, in the fast upcoming tourist destination of North Sulawesi are working to start such a system, as tourists arrivals are increasing by the day.
Singapore did it through the support of the Government and sheer hard work of the officers who implemented it. What a treasured policing system!
Sadly however, all the scenario changed when the 9/11 attack too place in New York. The police stations here became less assessible to the public as new security measures were put in place. Everyone here was viewed with utmost suspicion. Even our brave soldiers in army camps barricaded themselves surrounded by high barbed-wire fencings.
The Immigration and Customs at the land borders stepped up their security and conducted checks that were at times unpleasant.
When the Neighbourhood Police centre was implemented, many NPPs were closed. Some of it were open only in the day and completely closed in the night. It remain so to this day.
The patrols connected with the Koban system (bicycle, foot, etc..) slowly disappeared. Officers in fast airconditioned cars zoomed past. Uniformed police officers were only seen in great numbers during elections, holy occassions (Thaipusam) and during international events staged here.
What started as an astounding success ended on a poor note.
The annoucement of foot patrol lately is a good move. The SPF should go back to the days of the NPP system. It must win over the hearts of the people.
I thus urge DPM Teo Chee Hean to ready a Fact Finding Team tasked with the revival of the good old NPP system of those long gone era when the public interacted well with the men in blue.
Make the SPF into an organisation that serves and protect everyone and that which above all remain apolitical. Don't let other countries pick up the peices we left behind. We were the pioneers and we should treasure it as our own.
