All Can Escape – a unique initiative empowering at-risk youths to break free from gangs.
By: Leow Su Ling
“I saw how sad my mother was when I did something wrong, and I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t continue on this path and hurt her again,” – these were the heartfelt words of one of the youths that Police Life spoke to at Camp ACE one morning in November 2023.
To curb youth crime and gang-related activities, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has taken a proactive approach to steer at-risk youths away from a life of crime. In 2008, the Criminal Investigation Department’s Secret Societies Branch (SSB) launched Camp ACE, a unique initiative that provides at-risk youths with the tools and resources they need to make positive choices and steer away from gangs.
The Essence of Camp ACE
Now in its 14th edition, Camp ACE, an acronym for “All Can Escape,” embodies a powerful message: every youth has the potential to break free from the clutches of crime and gang involvement.
Held annually during the year-end school holidays, the Camp offers a transformative one-and-a-half-day experience, focusing on outdoor experiential learning, character development exercises and team-building activities.
By offering their guidance, officers further encourage at-risk youths to reflect on their choices, develop self-discipline and foster a stronger sense of self-esteem. This support helps the youths to resist the temptation of gangs and embrace a brighter future.
Many Helping Hands
Recognising the importance of collaboration in addressing youth crime, the SSB has also partnered with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), which oversees the Streetwise Programme (SWP), to redirect at-risk youths towards a more positive path.
This partnership has proven to be highly effective, with over 300 youths (primarily SWP participants) having benefited from Camp ACE since 2008. The MSF also works with social workers from selected Family Service Centres to provide counselling services under the SWP framework.
From Gang Leader to Artist
One highlight of this year’s Camp was the sharing session with Mr Kim Whye Kee, an ex-gang leader. He first took part in criminal activities at the age of 15 and, at 17, was arrested and jailed for four years. The next decade proved to be tumultuous for Mr Kim as he committed gang- and drug-related offences and served a number of prison sentences.
Behind bars, he started reflecting on his past and realised that he’d neglected and hurt his family due to his offences. He also discovered a passion for pottery and found solace in his art.
Mr Kim’s perspective further shifted when he started volunteering in his neighbourhood of Taman Jurong. The acceptance he found there made him realise that he could make a positive contribution to the community: “It gave me hope that I could still fulfil my dreams instead of continuing on the path of a gang leader.”
Having founded his ceramics studio, Qi Pottery, in 2016, Mr Kim is keen to share his experiences with at-risk youths. For the camp participants, his story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that those who’ve strayed can find redemption and purpose. Speaking with conviction, Mr Kim encouraged the youths to break free from negative cycles and pursue their dreams.
As the camp came to an end, Police Life spoke to several of the youths who reflected on their stay at Camp ACE. “I didn’t think about the consequences of my actions before,” said one youth. “After this camp, I know what can happen to me if I continue on the wrong path. I can decide what I want for myself now, and I still have a long road ahead.”
Members of the public are advised to steer clear of secret society activities and to report those engaging in such unlawful activities to the Police immediately. If you wish to leave a gang or suspect that someone might be involved in a gang, you can call the Secret Societies Branch at 6435 0000.
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