Four officers who were recognised at the Home Team and SPF Promotion Ceremonies in May share their personal journeys with us!
By: Ashwini Jayasankar, Soh Ying Jie and Nur Ihshana Shaheen Binte Babajahn
READY FOR CHANGE
Having served as a Police officer for over 15 years, Superintendent of Police (Supt) Jin Yifeng’s eagerness to make a difference remains undimmed. As Commanding Officer of the Police Coast Guard (PCG) Command Centre, she leads a team that keeps a watchful eye 24/7 on Singapore’s waters.
Tell us about your work at the PCG Command Centre.
The PCG Command Centre coordinates the daily activities and deployments of our officers and vessels to ensure the safety and security of our waters. As Commanding Officer, I want to constantly raise the Command Centre’s operational capabilities so that we can fulfil this mission. Another goal I have is to communicate with my officers about the dynamic nature of our operational landscape. Over time, security threats will evolve and it’s important that we meet these by adapting and tapping on new technologies.
What’s been your most memorable experience as an officer?
During a routine patrol aboard a coastal patrol craft, we came across a group of kayakers whose kayaks had capsized, and they were in need of assistance. This was my first rescue operation and I vividly recall the gratitude and relief expressed by the kayakers when we brought them onboard and attended to them, particularly as the sea conditions were challenging that day. Helping others is one of the rewards of our work as officers.
“I vividly recall the gratitude and relief expressed by the kayakers when we brought them onboard and attended to them, particularly as the sea conditions were challenging that day.” - Supt Jin Yifeng
Share a career lesson that you’ve learnt as a senior officer.
We must be very adaptable and open to change because this can happen very quickly, whether it’s in terms of the security threats we face, operational conditions on the ground or even how we can work more effectively together when our officers are of different age groups and have varied life experiences.
Ultimately, you also need to have a passion for the job. There’ll be good days and challenging days, but I always remember why I joined the Force over 15 years ago, and this passion sustains me.
What advice do you often share with younger officers?
It’s important to regularly upskill and develop ourselves as change is a constant. It is our personal responsibility. Know what you want to achieve in the next five to 10 years in your personal life and career, and work hard towards your goals.
What does being a Police officer mean to you?
It’s all about serving the community through a meaningful career! – Interviewed by Ashwini Jayasankar
A SINGULAR FOCUS
Supt Muhammad Firdaus thrives on the hustle and bustle that’s part of daily work at a Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC). His current role as Commanding Officer of Geylang NPC marks the latest step in his journey to bring criminals to justice and provide closure to victims of crime.
What made you join the Singapore Police Force (SPF)?
I’ve always wanted to join the Public Service and serve others. I joined the SPF in 2010 and, over the years, have gained many experiences that wouldn’t have been possible in any other Public Service role.
Tell us about your work now.
As Commanding Officer of Geylang NPC, I’m responsible for the NPC’s operations, which includes managing our frontline operations, manpower, logistics, community engagement as well as crime prevention and solving initiatives. I find my work especially meaningful as I’m able to work hand-in-hand with the community to keep our residents safe and secure.
What’s been your fondest experience as an officer?
For me, it’s always been about bringing criminals to justice and providing closure to victims of crime. This hasn’t changed from my days as an Investigation Officer at Bedok Police Division HQ to when I became a Team Leader at Hougang NPC, and now at Geylang NPC, where I plan for operations to catch perpetrators and keep our community safe.
The SPF’s work is really about people, both within and outside the Force. My duties have continued to revolve around people – understanding their needs and difficulties; enabling them in their work and personal lives; and providing closure. This has remained constant over the years.
“My duties have continued to revolve around people – understanding their needs and difficulties; enabling them in their work and personal lives; and providing closure.” - Supt Muhammad Firdaus
What’s one challenge that you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
One challenge is maintaining work-life harmony as our family commitments need time and attention. I’m fortunate to have supportive supervisors and colleagues throughout my years in service, with a supportive wife, family and in-laws. Through constant communication and much brainstorming together, it’s made it easier for me to have find work-life harmony.
What does being a Police officer mean to you?
It’s about being one piece in a larger jigsaw puzzle that provides for the safety and security of our nation. Every officer plays a unique and important role that contributes to the mission and success. It’s an honour to serve. – Interviewed by Soh Ying Jie
MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
A childhood fascination with Police TV shows led Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Manpreet Kaur D/O Sukhdev Singh to join the Force. She explains how the shared camaraderie and bond with her teammates has sustained her in her career.
What motivated you to join the Force?
I grew up watching the Triple 9 drama series and Crimewatch on TV, and was inspired by how the officers solved crimes and helped victims. I first decided to become a Police officer as a primary school kid. I joined the Force in 2010 and have never regretted my choice.
Tell us about your work.
I’m a Senior Investigation Officer with the Serious Sexual Crime Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department. I’m heartened that I can support victims of crime and help them find closure by bring perpetrators to justice. Recently, I’ve also taken on new duties as the Deputy Officer in Charge of my team. These include making investigative decisions and mentoring my team members. Thankfully, I’ve received much guidance on this new journey I’m undertaking.
What’s been your most affirming experience as an officer?
It’s the shared camaraderie and bond with my teammates as we investigate cases together. We have each other’s backs, and this strong sense of teamwork has always been important to me. Being an officer has also enabled me to view a situation from many different perspectives. This fosters a certain agility in thinking that has allowed me to exercise good judgment and fairness, in both my professional and personal lives.
“We have each other’s backs, and this strong sense of teamwork has always been important to me.” - DSP Manpreet Kaur D/O Sukhdev Singh
What’s something you’d like to share with others about your work as an officer?
It requires real passion and sacrifice, but it’s very fulfilling to be able to help victims of crime. As officers, we can make a huge positive difference in people’s lives. –Interviewed by Nur Ihshana Shaheen Binte Babajahn
FINDING HIS CALLING
Station Inspector (SI) Syed Muhammad Albar of the Traffic Police (TP) first learnt about the fundamental of policing as a Cadet with the National Police Cadet Corps. He tells us what he loves about being an officer!
Tell us about yourself.
I joined the SPF in 2009 and am currently a Senior Investigation Officer with the TP, where I help to investigate road accidents. As a TP officer, I also support our operations at major public events such as the National Day Parade and Singapore Grand Prix.
Tell us something about yourself that others don’t know.
During certain investigations and deployments, I can be working for many hours at a stretch. To stay alert, I’ll take a quick walk or even do push-ups!
What’s your most memorable experience on the roads?
Once, I experienced a technical issue with the car I was driving and had to pull over by the side of the road. A member of the public came by and rendered assistance by helping to direct the traffic. This small act of kindness reaffirms my belief that people are genuinely willing to lend a helping hand to one another.
“I take great pride in being an officer as I get an immense sense of satisfaction from helping others, finding justice for victims of crime and raising public awareness of the law.” - SI Syed Muhammad Albar
What does being a Police officer mean to you?
It’s about upholding integrity and displaying professionalism at all times. I take great pride in being an officer as I get an immense sense of satisfaction from helping others, finding justice for victims of crime and raising public awareness of the law. The SPF also has the best working environment and colleagues, and this is the reason why I love to be a TP officer! – Interviewed by Ashwini Jayasankar
Home Team Promotion Ceremony 2023
The Home Team Promotion Ceremony 2023 was held on 24 May 2023. Read the speech by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law.
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