The Singapore Police Force (SPF) held the Police Day Observance Ceremony 2021 on 3 June 2021. The Police Day has been commemorated annually on 3 June since 1971. It celebrates SPF’s achievements, recognises the contributions of past and present officers, and brings officers together to renew our pledge to serve Singapore and to carry out our duties with courage, loyalty, integrity and fairness.
Due to the COVID-19 situation, SPF marked this year’s Police Day with a virtual Police Day Observance Ceremony, instead of the traditional Police Day Parade. Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck led the observance ceremony that was attended virtually by more than 2,200 officers from various SPF units island-wide.
Significance of Police Day
3 June 1959 is of special significance as Singapore obtained self-government on that day, and when SPF first became accountable to the people of Singapore, as the law enforcement agency of an elected Government. In 1971, Professor Wong Lin Ken, then Minister for Home Affairs, announced the designation of 3 June as Police Day. In his speech at the opening of “Police Week” on 3 June 1971, he said, “The Government has designated 3rd of June to be Police Day, to reaffirm the fact that the Police is a part of our society, responsible to an elected government, and the maintenance of law and order is a service to the community.”
“Our People, Our Heartware”
Our officers are at the forefront of law enforcement within the community. They face difficult situations in their daily policing duties, which require them to make tough decisions with the interests of the public at heart. A video titled, “Our People, Our Heartware” was released at the ceremony. It depicts the difficult situations that officers deal with in their line of duty to keep Singapore safe and secure. The video has been uploaded on SPF’s Facebook page.
Award Presentation
The award recipients for the Best Land Division and the Best National Service (NS) Operationally Ready Unit, as well as the Police National Service Full-time (PNSF) officers and Police National Servicemen (PNSmen) of the Year were also announced at the virtual ceremony.
Please refer to Annex A for the list of award recipients.
Best Land Division
Ang Mo Kio Police Division won the Best Land Division award this year. Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Zed Teo, dedicated the award to his officers for their commitment in keeping Singapore safe and secure amidst the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The award is also a recognition of the collective crime-fighting efforts displayed by the community. For instance, Ang Mo Kio Police Division collaborated with PAVE, Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection Specialist Centre, to produce an educational pictorial book – ‘A Day with Bob’ – to encourage children to speak up about family violence.
AC Zed Teo said, “In 2020, the Police faced unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. We worked hard to fight crime and at the same time supported the COVID-19 operations at the migrant worker dormitories. And like other frontline workers, our officers grappled with the anxieties over their risk of infection. Nonetheless, our officers rose to the challenge and responded to the call of duty. For example, our officers adapted to the shift from in-person community engagements to virtual engagements via video conferencing platforms. Looking back, my colleagues and I are very proud to have played a part in making Singapore safer and more secure.”
Best NS Operationally Ready Unit
Jurong Police Division is awarded the Best NS Operationally Ready Unit for the third consecutive year. NS Commander of Jurong Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (NS) Darric Teo, attributed the achievement to strong teamwork between the PNSmen and regular officers. He commended the PNSmen for having successfully supported Jurong Police Division in frontline policing duties amidst the challenging operating environment posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating their dedication and commitment to National Service.
Annex A - List of Award Recipients
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
03 June 2021 @ 12:10 PM