DSP Muhamad Omar Sharif and ASP Mohammad Suhaimi Bin Indra Faisal were honoured at this year’s Minister for Home Affairs National Day Awards. Police Life hears more about what this recognition means to them!
By: Christabelle Lim
A total of 105 Home Team officers, 15 Home Team volunteers, 11 organisations, four team projects/operations and 49 members of the public were recognised for their contributions at the Minister for Home Affairs National Day Awards 2023.
Held on 4 August 2023 at the Home Team Academy, the annual event recognises deserving officers and members of the public for their contributions and commitment in keeping Singapore safe.
A Shot at Raising Standards
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Muhamad Omar Sharif
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Firearm Training Unit, Frontline Policing Training School, Training Command (TRACOM)
Recipient of the Minister for Home Affairs National Day Award (Individual)
I joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 2010, after graduating from university. In fact, I already made the choice to sign on in junior college – I knew I wanted a career that involved helping people and keeping Singapore safe and secure.
In May 2021, I was posted to TRACOM as OC of the Firearm Training Unit. I oversee the firearms training for frontline officers and In-Situ Reaction Teams, as well as curriculum and trainer development matters, with my team of trainers.
As part of the SPF’s operational switch from revolvers to pistols in June 2021, we also reviewed the training needs so that officers can train as how they operate in their various operating environments.
The aim was to enhance individual firearms competency and marksmanship, in order for officers to achieve our mission when the use of firearms is necessary. I had a good team of trainers and supervisors supporting this review. The greatest challenge was ensuring that the training was progressive and tailored to individual competency level.
We came up with several iterations and made refinements to the shooting sequences to ensure that our training outcomes could be achieved as efficiently as possible, using the same number of rounds and range time.
My Commanding Officer, Superintendent Toh Pei Lian, who’s an experienced shooter herself, trialled the sequences together with us and provided us with guidance and feedback. Her involvement in this review was a great help to us!
As trainers, we aim to equip our officers with training conditions that are as close as possible to their operational terrain. I’m glad that the review went well and the revised test sequence was well-received by the ground officers. Their feedback that the training was effective served as a great validation of the work our team went through to revise the curriculum.
This award is not only for me, but for my team. It’s a recognition of our teamwork and our dedication to continuous improvement!
Guardians of the Community
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohammad Suhaimi Bin Indra Faisal
OC Community Policing Unit, Bukit Merah East Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), Central Police Division
Recipient of the Minister for Home Affairs National Day Award (Individual)
I joined the SPF in 2007, first as a Ground Response Force officer at Bishan NPC. In 2015, I was selected for conversion to Senior Officer under the Graduate Police Officer scheme and underwent my Investigation Officer posting from 2015 to 2018, and Team Leader posting at the Traffic Police from 2018 to 2020. I’m currently the OC of the Community Policing Unit (CPU) at Bukit Merah East NPC.
Since young, it has always been my aspiration to be a Police officer. In secondary school, I was a member of the National Police Cadet Corps, and I’m glad that I had the opportunity to serve my National Service with the SPF.
SPF is my first and only job. I’m proud to say that being a Police officer is a calling and I’ve been enjoying the journey ever since, despite the challenges it entails.
As OC CPU in Bukit Merah East NPC, I’ve been very fortunate to work in close partnership with our stakeholders.
Together with my team of passionate and committed officers, I conduct community crime prevention events, which includes strengthening rapport with the community and finding innovative ways to tackle crime trends upstream by working with our partners and members of the public.
I’ve been a frontline officer for most of my career. Community policing has given me a new perspective by facilitating as change agents in the community. At Bukit Merah East NPC, we’re proud to see ourselves as Guardians of the Community!
For example, there was a fire that broke out in a HDB unit recently, and we had to evacuate residents for their safety. Together with our community partners, we were able to offer various forms of support to affected residents after the fire had been put out.
Besides the satisfaction I get from day-to-day policing, it’s the camaraderie and friendships that I’ve forged with fellow officers that keeps me going. Each of my postings has been memorable in their unique way, with colleagues that I can call friends.
I’m honoured to be a recipient of the Minister for Home Affairs National Day Award. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family and colleagues. It’s a testament to my belief that the work I do can make a difference.
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