Check out Nanyang NPC’s exceptional migrant worker and community engagement initiatives and meet one of their dedicated volunteers, Sgt (V) Tan Hui Mun!
By: Domnic Dass
Officially opened on 19 January 2003, Nanyang Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) is the resident NPC for Jurong Police Division. With 10 Purpose-Built Dormitories, two Quick-Built Dormitories and 240 Factory-Converted Dormitories under its jurisdiction, you can see why this NPC excels in migrant worker engagement.
Educating Migrant Workers Through Games
Nanyang NPC threw one of the first Migrant Worker Mega Carnivals in April 2019, reaching out to over 1,000 migrant workers in a lively, games-based event at Tuas South Dormitory. The NPC’s Community Policing Unit (CPU) officers, supported by Voluntary Special Constabulary (Community) volunteers and Migrant Worker Ambassadors, partnered with Home Team agencies such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) to make the event fun and unforgettable.
Non-Governmental Organisations such as Transient Workers Count Too, which provides support to migrant workers in need, and the SDI Academy, an agency which provides free English and computer lessons to migrant workers, also set up booths at the Mega Carnival.
Supporting Migrant Workers During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nanyang NPC adapted its community engagement approach. Officers conducted a series of online engagements to share crime and scam advisories with the migrant worker community.
The NPC also hosted a Crime and Scam Prevention Talk via Zoom on 12 September 2021, which attracted about 200 migrant workers. Before the event, officers worked with the Ministry of Manpower's Assurance, Care and Engagement Team to help participants download and use Zoom. The session was well-received, and participants were appreciative of the information shared to help migrant workers protect themselves from crime.
A Passion to Serve
A finance executive in her day-to-day job, Sergeant (Sgt) (V) Tan is glad to balance her work and family commitments with her passion to serve. Let’s hear more from Sgt (V) Tan on what it takes to become a Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) officer at Nanyang NPC!
What are your roles and responsibilities as a VSC officer?
I currently volunteer as a Ground Response Force officer, a role that’s focused on crime prevention, deterrence and detection through patrols, swift emergency response and providing assistance to members of the public. I also manage administrative and deployment matters for Nanyang NPC’s VSC officers.
How did you first become interested in volunteering with the SPF?
I first learnt about the VSC scheme through word-of-mouth. Intrigued by what I heard, I made the decision to join as I wanted to serve and contribute back to the community. What truly kept me motivated as I progressed was the strong sense of camaraderie and connection that I had developed with my fellow VSC officers. The friendships I formed with them were a significant part of my volunteer experience.
What kind of training do you have to go through as a VSC officer?
The training spans over six months, covering subjects such as law, police procedures, Police Contact Tactics and firearms training. We have to dedicate time after office hours and on weekends to attend training sessions.
How do you maintain positive relationships with your regular officer colleagues?
At Nanyang NPC, we have annual festive season gatherings, which help us to know each other better and strengthen our bonds. We’re also invited by regular officers to their team celebrations, further enhancing our connections with the team.
What do you find most rewarding about your volunteer work?
When we help to resolve issues or de-escalate situations successfully, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. These moments are particularly fulfilling and highlight the impact of our work as VSC officers.
Lastly, what advice do you have for those interested in serving as VSC officers?
Being a VSC officer offers you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and take on challenges that you could not encounter anywhere else. It’s a great way to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Give it a try and see where your VSC journey takes you!
Want to learn more about the other NPCs from "Our NPCs" series? Click here to find out more: Queenstown, Orchard, Hougang, Changi, and Woodlands West.
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