Beneath Chinatown’s glowing lanterns and bustling streets, officers from Bukit Merah East NPC safeguard the joy of CNY celebrations!
By: Shavina Sri
Chinatown’s vibrant streets, adorned with red lanterns and golden decorations swaying during Chinese New Year (CNY), are a sight to behold. The air is filled with chatter as visitors weave through rows of stalls, haggling over festive goods. For the Singapore Police Force (SPF), it’s a time to ensure that the community can celebrate in safety.
Safeguarding Chinatown
For Senior Staff Sergeant (SSSgt) Goh Zi Lin, a Ground Response Force (GRF) officer at Bukit Merah East Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), patrolling Chinatown during the CNY period is a familiar routine. Since joining the SPF in May 2015, she has participated in numerous such patrols with her fellow officers.
“Policing during the festive season is unique,” says SSSgt Goh. “It’s about making sure all’s well on the ground while fostering connections to create a safe environment for everyone.”
Her day starts early with meticulous preparations – loading and checking the Next Generation Fast Response Car (NGRFC), donning her uniform and securing her firearm and other essential gear. Partnering with Special Constable Sergeant (SC/Sgt) Mohamed Lutfi, they begin by driving around their designated sector before continuing with foot patrols.
Along the way, SSSgt Goh and SC/Sgt Lutfi stop occasionally to engage with shopkeepers and visitors, offering crime prevention advice. “We remind retailers to secure their cash and advise shoppers to be mindful of pickpockets,” she says.
Navigating the bazaar is no small feat, with crowds swelling after hours and on weekends. Fortunately, tech tools like the Crowd@Chinatown map, which tracks real-time crowd density and area closures, helps visitors avoid affected areas.
“The map allows us to manage crowds more effectively and also keeps the public better informed, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the celebrations safely,” explains SSSgt Goh.
SSSgt Goh also understands how a personal touch can help her connect better with the community. “It’s about making sure people feel safe, and that includes respecting their traditions,” she says. “Using expressions like 和气生财 [harmony brings wealth] and 新年快乐 [Happy New Year] creates a positive atmosphere.”
Teamwork on the Ground
The dynamic nature of happenings at the CNY bazaar means that coordination between the officers is key. SSSgt Goh and SC/Sgt Lutfi stay vigilant as they patrol the bustling streets, scanning the crowd with trained eyes and staying in constant radio contact with fellow officers. One recent incident stands out in SSSgt Goh’s memory as a reminder of the importance of teamwork. “We received a call about a missing child,” she recalls. “The parents had lost sight of their daughter in the crowd and were in a panic.”
An alert was swiftly sent to officers on the ground. “Officers from many different units coordinated seamlessly with our team," explains SSSgt Goh, “and we managed to track down the missing girl, who was unharmed. This was a reminder of the incredible teamwork that allows us to safeguard every day.”
Into the Early Hours
As the evening wears on and the crowd grows larger, SSSgt Goh and SC/Sgt Lutfi continue their patrol, staying alert for any sign of trouble. “Our presence is not just a deterrent; it also reassures the public that they can enjoy the festivities without fear,” says SSSgt Goh.
Reflecting on her nine years at Bukit Merah East NPC, SSSgt Goh is proud of her journey. Her path to becoming a Police officer began with a childhood dream, one she’s now living out daily. “When I first joined the SPF, I faced a steep learning curve,” she recalls. “But over the years, I’ve built great relationships with my colleagues, and I’ve learned so much from them. It’s been a really positive experience.”
As her shift comes to an end, SSSgt Goh has one final message for the public: “Happy CNY to all! While visiting crowded places, do stay vigilant. Make sure your valuables are secure and if you have young children with you, always keep an eye on them.”
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