AC Serene Chiu shares her leadership journey and how female Police officers support and inspire one another in the Force!
By: Ng Yun Shiean
Tell us about your policing journey.
I joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 1999 and started as an Investigation Officer in Tanglin Police Division. In 2001, I was posted to the Operations Department as Operations Officer (Management). In 2004, I assumed the role of Head Planning in Central Police Division, followed by the position of Commanding Officer at Rochor Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) in 2006.
Following this, I had the opportunity to join the Homefront Security Division (now known as the Joint Operations Group) in the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2008, where I was responsible for managing border and transport security policies and infrastructure protection policies.
Upon my return to the SPF in 2011, I took on the role of Deputy Director of Resource Management in the Planning and Organisation Department (P&O). In 2013, I pursued my post-graduate studies sponsored by the SPF and subsequently posted to Tanglin Police Division as Deputy Commander in 2014.
In 2016, I was posted to the Public Affairs Department as Deputy Director, and later progressed to Director, dedicating six years to the department. I became the Commander of Clementi Police Division in August 2022.
What are some of the most memorable projects that you were involved in?
I was involved in two projects that I felt had the most impact on the ground and have benefitted frontline policing today.
One project was the implementation of the Community Policing System (COPS) in 2012. I was in P&O then and led the secretariat to drive the implementation, working closely with other staff departments.
COPS enhanced our entire frontline policing capability with the introduction of the Community Policing Unit (CPU) and the Crime Strike Force (CSF) in every NPC. While the CPU actively interacts and builds partnership with the community, the CSF deals with localised crime. As part of COPS, we also rolled out the installation of Police Cameras (PolCam) across all HDB blocks progressively and introduced the unmanned Neighbourhood Police Post, leveraging technology and providing round-the-clock self-help kiosk services. The network of PolCam is a game changer in crime-fighting, and it has enhanced the safety and security of our neighbourhoods.
The other project was the review of the medical service provision in the SPF’s lock-up for Persons-in-Custody (PICs) in 2016, when I was the Deputy Commander of Tanglin Police Division. I worked with a group of doctors from various hospitals and disciplines to develop recommendations for the provision of medical care at our Police lock-up. Today, we have a nurse stationed at the lock-up to do medical triaging, assess the fitness of PIC for detention, and provide basic care.
“Policing is a job that has a compelling purpose. Knowing that I’m making a positive impact when I come to work every day keeps me motivated and passionate about the job!” – AC Serene Chiu
In your opinion, what are the key qualities that make a good leader, and what advice do you have for officers who aspire to lead?
Firstly, a leader needs to be purpose-driven to provide officers with meaning in their job, inspire trust and lead them towards a common purpose. Secondly, a leader needs to care for his/her people. It’s important to demonstrate empathy and care; engage officers; and find out how to help them grow professionally and deal with challenges on the ground. Thirdly, a leader needs to manage performance and deliver results. As leaders, I believe it’s also our duty to mentor and help mould the next generation of leaders!
All my experiences have added up in my leadership journey. Whenever I was offered an opportunity, I seized it and gave my best. That’s how I built up my credibility and dependability as a leader. I’d advise everyone to do the same – seize opportunities that come and just give your best!
What impact does seeing other female officers in leadership positions have on you?
When I first joined the Force in 1999, the highest-ranking female officer was a Superintendent. In the same year, Madam Ng Guat Ting became the first female Commander to lead a Land Division, which was very inspiring for us! When I was in Central Police Division as Head Planning, the various key positions such as Head Investigation and Head Operations and Training were also helmed by female officers!
Over the years, I’ve seen female officers rising through the ranks and taking on leadership positions in the Force. In 2018, we had our first female Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), DCP Florence Chua, who retired in 2022. She left a lasting legacy and is still a role model to many of us! Ultimately, it’s about women supporting women, and women inspiring women!
How has the SPF supported female officers in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities?
There has been a greater awareness and understanding of the challenges that are unique to female officers. It’s not easy for female officers to manage both their career and family. As the Chairperson of the Police Women’s Committee, I work with fellow officers to support women in policing by ensuring that female officers have equal opportunities to advance in their career and incorporating female-friendly initiatives in the workplace. We have been more intentional about our policies and culture that support the success of female officers. It’s important to be inclusive, such as by factoring in female perspectives and needs into workplace design and equipping; consulting female officers when implementing new equipment and uniforms; and ensuring that there’s a lactation facility in all Police establishments.
What are your aspirations for current female officers and women who’ve been contemplating a career with the SPF?
I hope for continued progress and support for one another so that women can thrive in their professional and personal lives. Collectively, we can advance women in policing and become role models who’ll inspire generations after us to keep Singapore safe and secure.
For those who’re thinking of joining us, policing is a very rewarding career. Believe in yourself, pursue your passion and give your best!
Her Police Story
“Leading with Impact with AC Serene Chiu” is part of the Women in Policing series, which will feature six female officers and their journey in the SPF. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Women in Policing this year, we honour the contributions of women in the Force and pay tribute to the pioneers who paved the way.
Explore Our Content
Editor's Pick
