Boo-ts on the ground – PNS officers spell-bind Woodgrove's Halloween bash with law and order, showcasing their phantom-tastic skills!
By: Domnic Dass
In the shadowy corners of Woodgrove Estate, where jack-o’-lanterns flickered and cobwebs shimmered, a new force emerged to oversee the ghostly revelry. This Halloween, it wasn’t just spirits that rose from the grave – it was the Police National Service (PNS) officers who rose to the occasion.
From a modest gathering of 30 residents in 2007 to this year’s phantasmagoria of fun, Woodgrove’s Halloween celebration has grown tremendously over 17 years. But this year’s proceedings came with a twist: PNS officers took the helm of security planning and deployment for the first time.
We spoke with Superintendent of Police (Supt) (NS) Pow Choon Wee and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) (NS) Shin Byeong Gyu to learn how these guardians of the goosebumps kept Singapore’s spookiest street party all treat and no trick.
Stepping Up
A seasoned PNS officer with 14 years of service under the Voluntary Extension Scheme, Supt (NS) Pow took on the role of Ground Officer-in-Charge (OIC) for the event. Having exceeded his 10-year NS obligations, Supt (NS) Pow remains committed to serving the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
The PNS officers were tasked with maintaining crowd control and ensuring public safety for an estimated crowd of 1,000 participants. Explains Supt (NS) Pow: “This marks a major milestone for the PNS officers of Woodlands Police Division as we take full responsibility for operational deployment, supporting the event organisers from planning to execution.”
Ghostbusters in Blue
Supt (NS) Pow held a multifaceted role as NS Deputy Head of Operations at Woodlands Police Division and Ground OIC for this event. His responsibilities began with pre-operations planning in August.
“I oversaw the pre-operations planning, liaising with various stakeholders, managing logistics and guiding Sector ICs and officers of the Quick Response Group,” he said. “This comprehensive approach ensured a well-coordinated operation from start to finish.”
In the lead-up to the event, Supt (NS) Pow and the PNS leadership team met with the regular officers who led last year’s deployment to glean best practices. They also conducted reconnaissance to understand crowd movement and evacuation routes. To build rapport with the community and ensure a smooth event execution, Supt (NS) Pow also worked closely with the People’s Association (PA) and Singapore American School.
The Quick Response Group was instrumental in ensuring the event's security. This Group was led by ASP (NS) Shin, who is a Team Leader with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), with five PNS cycles under his belt. “As first responders, we were poised to address any incidents requiring police intervention, prioritising swift and effective situation management and de-escalation,” he explained.
ASP (NS) Shin and his team were prepared for a range of scenarios: “We were ready for situations including lost and found items, suspicious objects, lost children, suspicious persons and disputes among attendees,” he stated. “When it comes to such events, thoroughness is key.”
Community Policing: The Heart of the Matter
The Halloween event also highlighted the crucial role of Community Policing Unit (CPU) officers. “In their white polo shirts, CPU officers represent a friendly face to residents, which is crucial in building trust and open communication,” Supt (NS) Pow said. “This enhances our effectiveness in addressing local concerns and maintaining community well-being.”
The visible presence of the PNS officers, working alongside community members, reinforced the collaborative nature of community policing.
A Night to Remember
As the last jack-o’-lanterns flickered out at Woodgrove Estate, the successful end of another Halloween celebration stood as a testament to the dedication and preparedness of the Police officers who safeguarded the event.
ASP (NS) Shin expressed confidence in their team’s readiness, and his enthusiasm was palpable. “I felt prepared and excited!” he said. “I maintained my physical fitness, achieving Gold for my IPPT, and also underwent a refresher in Police Contact Tactics. My experience as a regular ICA officer also helped me during the deployment.”
Recalling the event, Supt (NS) Pow affirmed the team’s efforts: “It was a full demonstration of our skills. We were involved in strategic planning, bringing diverse industry knowledge to the table. During execution, we put our operational skills to the test, managing crowds, coordinating with agencies and handling incidents.”
Throughout the night, residents enjoyed the spooktacular festivities with peace of mind, knowing that these dedicated PNS officers were keeping a vigilant eye on the celebrations. Their commitment to service, coupled with their diverse skills and experiences, made this year’s event a howling success – and another step forward in our community policing efforts.
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