Walk alongside ASP Syafiq as he leads his team in keeping the neighbourhood of Choa Chu Kang safe from crime and mentoring his officers along the way!
By: K Shreeyaa
Our dedicated Ground Response Force (GRF) officers of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) are frontline heroes who serve as first responders to “999” calls and conduct proactive patrols to prevent, deter and detect crime.
Leading these GRF officers are their Team Leaders. They play a crucial role in ensuring their team’s operational readiness and effective response to incidents in their neighbourhoods.
One such officer is Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ahmad Syafiq Bin Amran, a GRF Team Leader at Choa Chu Kang Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC). Police Life joins ASP Syafiq on a patrol to gain insights into his work, challenges, and commitment to keeping the community safe.
What motivated you to join the SPF?
I’ve always been passionate about serving the community. My mantra is to help and protect those in need.
I served my National Service (NS) in the SPF as a Support Officer at Bukit Merah East NPC. Besides assisting with administrative matters, I supported the Community Policing Unit in their outreach efforts, participated in raids with the Crime Strike Force and was deployed for major public events.
Having witnessed the camaraderie between officers and the impact of Police work firsthand, I was driven to join the SPF after completing my studies in 2019. I was also drawn to the dynamic nature of policing, where no two days are the same and there are diverse roles we can take on as officers.
What are your responsibilities as a GRF Team Leader?
I ensure that my team responds promptly to incidents within the NPC’s jurisdiction. For major incidents, I take command to coordinate their response. Additionally, I lead officers during deployments for major public events such as the F1 Singapore Grand Prix and the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown. I also mentor my officers to ensure that they maintain high standards of discipline and operational capabilities.
What challenges do you face as a GRF Team Leader?
As frontline officers, we often encounter unexpected situations on the ground. This means that we need to think on our feet and be decisive.
One challenging incident I recall involved a case of two missing children in Teck Whye where I was called to manage the situation. Our priority was to locate the children as quickly as possible.
I immediately activated more officers from the Division, deploying them around Teck Whye and Choa Chu Kang to assist in the search. When we found the children after a few hours and reunited them with their parents, it was truly a heartening sight. Seeing the smiles on their faces provided me a great sense of achievement!
How do you foster a sense of teamwork within your team?
“Togetherness” is a key value! We emphasise open communication and mutual support so that no one feels like they’re alone. We also bond outside of work through monthly team activities like playing sports and having meals together. Building camaraderie is essential, especially when the nature of our work can be mentally and physically demanding.
How do you mentor and guide new officers?
I believe in being their friend. I listen to my officers’ aspirations and support them in achieving their goals. If they make mistakes, I’ll coach them on how to improve and empower them in their learning. I don’t work alone; my Deputy Team Leader and officers also share their experiences and help to shape the team’s operational knowledge and capabilities.
What do you hope to achieve in your role?
My main goal is to help my officers build confidence in their daily work and policing knowledge while supporting their professional and personal growth. Character-building goes on beyond our 12-hour shifts, and I aim to be a leader they can trust and look up to!
Tell us how you balance your work and personal life.
I’m an avid sportsman and I’ve been dragon boating for over 10 years, since my NS days. I genuinely enjoy the camaraderie and team spirit that comes with it. Currently, I’m part of the Police Sports Association Dragon Boat Team, and it’s relaxing for me to go for training sessions where I can just sweat it out.
What do you have to say to those interested in joining the SPF?
If you’re seeking a job that lets you make a difference to others and brings new challenges every day, then the SPF is the place for you! While the hours can be long and demanding, the satisfaction of completing a successful operation or resolving an incident, and returning home safe, makes it all worthwhile. If you’re still unsure, just go for it! As the saying goes, “If you never try, you’ll never know!”
Check out the other “A Day in the Life” series with officers from Punggol NPC’s Community Policing Unit!
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