From gaining the trust of victims to being inspired by their determination to move forward with their lives, Mr Pollack Robert Brian shares about his volunteer work with the SPF.
By: Al Cheng
Victim Care Officers (VCOs) collaborate with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) to support victims of crime (including victims of sexual crime, scams and other serious offences) throughout the investigation process.
VCOs are trained to provide a listening ear and look out for victims who may be struggling to cope in the aftermath of trauma. Police Life caught up with VCO Mr Pollack Robert Brian to discover how his experiences shaped his volunteering journey with SPF and contribute to offering hope to victims of crime in their most vulnerable moments.
Can you tell us more about yourself and what made you want to become a VCO?
By profession, I’m a social worker focusing on community-based programmes supporting residents in aftercare. As a social worker, I feel privileged to work with individuals and families in seeking supportive outcomes to their psychosocial challenges.
A few years ago, a social worker I know recommended that I apply to the Victim Care Cadre Programme (VCCP) as it was a good opportunity to serve the community. I’d been involved in victim care before, but never under the supervision of a uniformed service, so I thought it’d be a good chance to learn new skills. I’ve been a VCO since 2021 and it’s heartening to play my small part in assisting the Police to support victims of crime.
What's the most memorable case you've encountered on this volunteer journey?
It was a case where the victim lost a large sum of money in a love scam, which caused financial devastation not only to the victim but also to her family members.
The trauma and grief experienced by the victim were so intense that she couldn’t speak for almost the first hour of the session. I reassured the victim that she could take all the time she needed, and if she just wanted to cry or be silent, that was okay too. I’d accompany her until she felt like speaking.
The victim opened up when she was ready. My partner VCO and I shared with her emotional grounding techniques and provided psychoeducation on community resources that she could approach. Most importantly, we made a verbal no-suicide agreement and agreed on a safety plan before ending the session. I was greatly relieved when the victim called a family member to accompany her home at the end of the session.
Can you share with us some of the challenges you face as a VCO?
I’d say the greatest challenge is gaining the trust and buy-in from victims in the relatively short time that we have together during the session. Another challenge is overcoming the scepticism of some victims that our session could be useful to them. During my session with victims, I’ll focus on their emotions, feelings, safety planning and psychoeducation. These are important to their well-being and recovery from the trauma of being a victim of crime.
How do you help victims of crime cope better?
I try my best to reassure them that it’s helpful to share how they’re feeling. I also encourage them to approach the available community resources for further support. Most importantly, I remind them that they can use their inherent coping skills in facing their challenges while emphasising the importance of resilience in our lives.
How has your journey as a VCO been so far?
It’s been an amazing journey! I was honoured to be invited to share my volunteer experiences at the Sexual Crime Awareness Seminar in April 2023. This allowed me to highlight the important work VCOs do in supporting victims of crime.
I’ve learned so much from those I’ve met – victims who inspire me with their resilience and determination to heal, and fellow VCOs who bring with them unique skills and knowledge from their diverse experiences.
I’m also thankful to the Investigation Officers who help to facilitate our sessions and follow up when needed, and the Police Psychological Services Department (PPSD) team for their generous guidance and support, all of whom which is vital to enhancing the care ecosystem for victims.
How do you feel about receiving the Distinguished VCO and Inspiring VCO Awards from the PPSD this year?
I’m really honoured to receive these two awards and I’m grateful to all the VCOs I’ve journeyed with since 2021, for partnering with me and supporting me.
Victim Care Cadre Programme 10th Anniversary and Appreciation Dinner
On 2 August 2024, the PPSD celebrated the 10th anniversary of the VCCP. Among the 140 guests were Deputy Commissioners of Police, VCOs, Police leaders and officers of the investigation community, as well as other partners such as the Home Team Volunteer Network, Singapore University of Social Sciences and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, among others.
At the event, the Distinguished VCO Award and Pioneer VCO Award were awarded to six VCOs, and the Active VCO Award and Inspiring VCO Award to 17 VCOs. Also unveiled at the event were the VCCP logo (which features two hearts, one representing victims of crime and the other the PPSD and VCOs) and the mission: “Partnering the Police to strengthen psychological care and support for victims of crime.”
Read about Pioneer Victim Care Officer Ms Nur Aisyah Abdul Rahman’s inspiring work of supporting victims of crime in Part 1 of “The Compassionate Side of Police Support: A Victim Care Officer’s Story.”
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