Police officers were in the vanguard of Singapore’s efforts to fight COVID-19; DAC Tan Su Leng and SSSgt Norshidah Binte Sulaiman share their stories with us.
By: Christabelle Lim
More than 3,000 Home Team officers were recognised for their outstanding contributions to Singapore's fight against COVID-19. Among them were Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Tan Su Leng and Senior Staff Sergeant (SSSgt) Norshidah Binte Sulaiman. They recall how they worked together with fellow officers to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19.
DAC Tan Su Leng
Head Operations, Ang Mo Kio Police Division; recipient of the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) (COVID-19)
DAC Tan Su Leng was a key member of the COVID-19 contingency planning and coordination team for the Singapore Police Force (SPF). As Assistant Director (Contingency Planning) of the SPF’s Operations Department during the pandemic, her work covered the management of security at quarantine and isolation facilities; migrant workers' dormitories; safe management measures; testing and surveillance; as well as general law and order issues. She recalls the challenging and fast-paced period of time during the early weeks of the pandemic.
A Different Scale
In May 2019, we’d managed quarantine operations for a case of monkeypox that had been detected in Singapore, working closely with the Ministry of National Development. We thought this experience put us in good stead and readiness for similar outbreaks, but the scale of COVID-19 was very different.
When the index (or first-known) case arrived at our shores in January 2020, many of our initial plans were put aside and we had to come up with new ones as the situation evolved at an unprecedented rate. As more public agencies started to get involved in the enforcement of safe management measures, my team and I had to coordinate with many different stakeholders to mitigate risks related to law-and-order issues.
Each day, I’d wake up to being added to many new chatgroups as more and more quarantine and isolation facilities were operationalised. That was a whole new operation to plan for each time.
It wasn’t just the number of quarantine facilities; it was also the varied types, ranging from hotels and repurposed schools to purpose-built facilities at the Singapore Expo, among others. This required the Police to conduct risk assessments at each site, to ensure the safety and security of the operations.
We started with a small team of seven officers, and one worry in those early days was that I might have overlooked something crucial in our coordination. It was a really stressful time for me! However, with the guidance and support of my supervisors and colleagues, we roped in other units and expanded our capabilities quickly.
Even when the situation changed and our previous planning parameters had to be adjusted, we moved decisively based on the information at hand. That’s what we’d trained for as Police officers – we operate in dynamic circumstances on the ground.
I’m honoured to receive the Public Administration Medal (Bronze); it’s a reminder of how we all came together and won the fight against COVID-19.
SSSgt Norshidah Binte Sulaiman
Ground Response Force Officer, Airport Police Division; recipient of the COVID-19 Resilience Medal (Individual)
SSSgt Norshidah was deployed as a Government Quarantine Facility (GQF) officer during the 2003 SARS outbreak. When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, she volunteered to be deployed at a GQF once again, and later, for duties at a dormitory during operations to support migrant workers. She explains what drove her to play her part.
Duty before Self
As a GQF officer, I helped to maintain law and order on-site and also worked to ensure the safety and security of residents. One challenge I faced was having to don the full set of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the entirety of my deployment. What helped us was the rigorous training we underwent, which ensured that we maintained the highest level of personal hygiene.
While I felt concerned that I could become infected in the course of my work and then pass it on to my family, I was determined to play my part as a Police officer, and do my duty to maintain law and order at quarantine sites and dormitories. My family was very supportive of my work – we made arrangements for the children to be taken care of in the event I got infected.
Looking back now, I feel extremely honoured to have had the opportunity to serve, and to receive the COVID-19 Resilience Medal. I hope our experiences during COVID-19 can motivate fellow officers to remain mentally and physically prepared for challenges to come!
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) National Awards (COVID-19) 2023
The MHA National Awards (COVID-19) recognises individuals and teams in the Home Team who have made outstanding contributions to Singapore’s fight against COVID-19. The Awards were given out on 22 November 2023 to a total of 3,036 awardees in the following categories:
- The Meritorious Service Medal
- The Public Service Star Medal
- The Public Administration Medal (Gold) (COVID-19)
- The Public Administration Medal (Silver) (COVID-19)
- The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) (COVID-19)
- The Commendation Medal (COVID-19)
- The President’s Certificate of Commendation
- COVID-19 Resilience Medal
- COVID-19 Resilience Certificate
In March 2023, we traced the journeys of Superintendent of Police Sherman Teo, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tew Meng Hwee and DSP Johnny Lim in 1,133 Days on Duty (Part 1). Congratulations to the three officers for receiving the Commendation Medal (COVID-19), and to all the award recipients, thank you for your service and dedication!
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