Opening a new chapter in the SPF’s volunteerism efforts, one with greater flexibility and skill-based opportunities.
By: Christabelle Lim
It was a trip to the Belgium Police Department in 2019 that inspired Mr Muhammad Zahari Bin Abu Talib to rethink Police services from a design thinking perspective. A former Police officer who stepped away due to health reasons, Mr Zahari never lost his connection to the mission and ethos of the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
Today, as an SPF volunteer, he channels his expertise and past policing experience to enhance public-facing Police services.
Expanding the SPF Volunteer Network
On 8 March 2025, the SPF launched the Episodic Volunteering Programme (EVP) at the SPF Volunteer Networking Session 2025. This skill-based volunteering initiative provides greater accessibility and flexibility, allowing volunteers to contribute based on their expertise and availability. Since its trial in November 2023, the EVP has introduced 16 roles, with 56 volunteers successfully onboarded.
Held at Gardens by the Bay, the networking session was graced by Guest of Honour Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State (MOS) for the Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development. Speaking to guests, MOS Sun commended the dedication of SPF volunteers and highlighted their critical role in fostering strong community partnerships.
A Lesson in Design Thinking
In 2018, Mr Zahari developed an application for the Police Smartphone, only to find that it wasn’t as widely used as anticipated. Given a chance to learn from counterparts overseas, he embarked on a journey of discovery about the importance of user-centric design.
During a visit to the Belgium Police Department, his team was shown the patrol vehicles in use. At first glance, the vehicles seemed to have been selected based on their spacious interiors. What was the real reason these models were selected? They had cup-holders! Officers often drank coffee during their shifts, and having cup-holders meant they could remain in their vehicles on patrol rather than return to their stations for breaks.
This experience cemented Mr Zahari’s belief that user-centric design leads to more effective outcomes. Since then, he has applied his expertise in Design Thinking to enhance Police service delivery.
Skills-Based Volunteering
Drawing from his experience, Mr Zahari conducted site visits to Neighbourhood Police Centres to gather feedback on Police services through engagements with various key stakeholders, including members of the public, Police officers and Auxiliary Police officers. Through these interactions, he gathered valuable insights to improve public-facing Police services.
Through the EVP, Mr Zahari has now come full circle. Once a Police officer striving to improve service delivery, he now continues this mission as an EVP volunteer, ensuring that the public’s interaction with law enforcement is seamless and effective.
Recognising Our Volunteers
Volunteers like Mr Zahari exemplify the spirit of collaboration between the Police and the community. At the SPF Volunteer Networking Session, over 600 volunteers, their families and friends, volunteer managers and Police officers got together to share their volunteering experience.
AC Sherrin Chua, Director CPD, expressed her appreciation and gratitude to all SPF volunteers for their steadfast support in ensuring Singapore’s safety and security.
Empowering Volunteers
With the launch of the EVP, the SPF now offers more opportunities for individuals to apply their skills in meaningful ways.
Like Mr Zahari, you can play a vital role in enhancing public safety and building trust between the Police and the community.
Inspired to use your diverse range of skills, experience and knowledge to partner with the SPF? Explore available roles on volunteer.gov.sg.
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