Saluting our dedicated officers on the ground!
By: Kamal Hakim
In this line of duty, you can expect some risks on the job. I’ve been in the Traffic Police (TP) patrol unit for about eight years. My father was a TP officer too, so when he first learned that I joined, he was a little worried for my safety. I was undeterred though, because I’ve always felt the need to serve in the force.
It was about 9pm on 17 Nov 2017. I was out on patrol and on my way back to TP headquarters. When on the road, our job is to look out for the safety of road users.
I was riding along Bedok Reservoir Road when I spotted a driver in a white Maserati car who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. I signalled for the car to stop a few times but he wasn’t complying. My gut feeling told me something felt a bit off.
The car only came to a stop due to the red traffic light ahead. I then parked my motorcycle ahead of his vehicle and approached the driver. The driver’s window was wound down. I directed for him to reverse his vehicle nearer to the bus bay behind. However the moment the traffic lights turned green, he abruptly swerved to the right and accelerated his car.
I was caught by surprise and since I was standing near the driver’s window, my jacket got caught at the car’s window frame. The vehicle continued to speed up with my arm still dangling from the window. Everything happened so quickly. I was dragged for about 124 meters before I managed to free myself.
As I lay injured on the road, a few bystanders came to my aid. Paramedics arrived soon after. I was given 20 days’ medical leave for injuries to my knee, neck and back. The driver was eventually charged in court.
After the incident, I did feel a bit down and wondered if I could continue to work due to my injuries. I honestly enjoy my job and would very much like to resume patrolling if I am certified fit to do so. To my relief and So after taking a year to recover from my injuries, I’m now back on the road. I count myself blessed to have the support from my wife and colleagues.
As a traffic patrol officer, even the most routine traffic stop may result in rather unexpected outcome. But this doesn’t deter me from doing what I love. In fact, I feel it’s made me a better patrol officer today.
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