STRENGTHENING NATIONAL SERVICE FOR A STRONGER SINGAPORE - Public Order Tactical Training From Boys to Policemen
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STRENGTHENING
NATIONAL SERVICE
FOR A STRONGER
VOLUME 40 NO. 6
SINGAPORE
Public Order Tactical Training
From Boys to Policemen
02 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 03
CONTENTS
03 07 08
Strengthening Leading From Public Order
National Service For The Middle Tactical Training
A Stronger Singapore
10 11
More Teeth In The Brewing
Fight Against Crime Support
With The PNS(F)
12 14 15
More Opportunities From Boys Being Positive
For Our National To Policemen About National
Servicemen Service
A NOTE FROM THE TEAM COMMITTEE
STRENGTHENING
Every Singaporean son has to go through National Service, be it Editorial Advisor
AC Melvin Yong
with the Singapore Armed Forces, the Singapore Civil Defence
Force, or the Singapore Police Force. Different uniformed services Chief Editor
all offer different experiences. DAC Tan Tin Wee
NATIONAL
Senior Editor
As full-time Police National Servicemen (PNSFs), we have the Ms Leena Rajan
unique opportunity to participate as protectors of the peace in
Editor
Singapore, and interact with a wide variety of the public. This gives Ms Tham Yee Lin
PNSFs a better sense of how complex society actually is, and also
Journalists
gives us opportunities to gain valuable life experiences that would
SERVICE
SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin
certainly give us an edge in our future endeavours. Ms Chew Si Lei Jinnie
SC/Cpl Muhammad Alif Bin Sapuan
However, the heavy responsibilities of a police officer also mean that SC Mok Wen Jie
support is crucial to the welfare of PNSFs during their term of service.
Photographers
Many of us depend on the strong support of family and friends to SSgt Chee Yong Tat
keep us going. It is also heartening to note the strong government SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin
SC Mok Wen Jie
Journalist support for PNSFs through the recent Committee to Strengthen SC Mok Wen Jie
FOR A STRONGER
Police Life
National Service (CSNS) recommendations. Design and Production
Redbean De Pte Ltd
In this issue, we cover some of those recommendations specific to
PNSFs, as well as a variety of stories about how the NS experience
SINGAPORE
can be an excellent learning journey in the Singapore Police Force.
SC/SGT Edward Toh, Police National Service Department,
By
and Mr Muhammad Fairuz Bin Mohd Amir, HomeTeam NS
Police Life is a publication of the Singapore Police The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) was set up to ensure
Force. For feedback or enquiries, please write to
the editorial team at SPF_PLM@spf.gov.sg. The that while National Service evolves to prepare for societal changes and threats,
materials in this publication are not to be reproduced
in whole or in part without the prior written consent it remains relevant to its roots. It is imperative that Singaporeans continue to
of the Editorial Committee. All rights reserved.
Whilst we tried to ensure that information provided believe in the value and purpose of NS.
is up-to-date and accurate, the publisher will not be
responsible for any errors or omissions.
facebook.com/singaporepoliceforce twitter.com/singaporepolice youtube.com/spfcommunityoutreach Police@SG iPhone / Android App www.police.gov.sg
04 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 05
G
enerations of Singaporeans Thus, the Committee to Strengthen a Townhall session and Webchat, along in an affluent Singapore with no direct
have served National National Service (CSNS) embarked with various other modes of feedback memories of our early struggles.”
O P E R AT I O N A L LY- R E A DY
Service (NS) with pride on a journey to engage Singaporeans which helped shape the CSNS
and commitment, making valuable
contributions toward a safe and secure
extensively through conversations on NS. recommendations that we see today. These changes, some of which are
highlighted here, proposed by the
NATIONAL SERVICEMEN
In May 2013, CSNS began public
Singapore, our home. engagement, involving over 40,000 Explaining the rationale behind these CSNS would help ensure that Police
participants including National recommendations, Dr Ng Eng Hen, National Servicemen remain the Family Recognition Vouchers (FRVS) Enhancing the IPPT System and Incentives
However, changes in our society Servicemen (NSmen), full-time Minister for Defence, said: “By 2020, all cornerstone of our nation’s security.
and threat environment require that National Servicemen (NSFs), Regulars, our full-time national servicemen would Read on for some of the more NSmen who perform among the top NSFs and NSmen will tackle a Officers will also be assessed against
NS remains relevant so that future parents, women, employers, grassroots have been born in the 21st century. important recommendations that will 10% during their ICT stand to receive simpler three-station IPPT format a new standard every three years
generations of Singaporeans continue volunteers, students and other They will be shaped by different forces affect Police National Servicemen, or $200 in vouchers, up from $100. comprising push-ups, sit-ups, and instead of the current five for a better
to believe in the value and purpose of members of the public. Participants compared to previous generations. visit www.strengthenns.sg for the full Additionally, the next 20% stand to a 2.4km run from 1 April 2015. The performance-to-age match.
NS, and support this national institution. took part in Focus Group Discussions, They would have been born and bred recommendations. receive $100 in vouchers. new scoring system allows an officer
to score up to 25 points each for the
push-up and sit-up test stations, and
up to 50 points for the 2.4km run.
GENERAL F U L L – T I M E
NATIONAL SERVICEMEN
CHANGES
New IPPT Standards Award Type Total Points Required
Easing Travel Restrictions Pass (for NSmen) >50
NSmen now only need to declare Pass (for NSFs/Regulars) >60
when travelling overseas if the trip Pass with Incentive (for NSmen)
Accredit NS skills to support Post-NS transition
lasts for more than 14 days, up from Silver (for NSFs, NSmen & Regulars) >70
24 hours.
SPF will be obtaining Gold (for NSFs, NSmen & Regulars) >80
Work Skills Qualifications This recommendation is effective
certification for the Police from 1st July 2014. Time Window
Officers Basic Course and
Neighbourhood Police Centre Proposed IPPT/IPT RT
Officers Course.
Expand Opportunities for NSmen Current IPPT/IPT RT
Revamped NS Home Awards
CSNS proposes that SPF allow
The revamped NS Housing, Medical and Education (HOME) recognition Month 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24
NSmen to volunteer in niche areas
award sees NS personnel receiving $5,000 ($500 more for sergeants where they have the relevant civilian
*20 sessions of RT are to be completed the following fiscal year if necessary.
and above) upon completion of full-time NS, their 3rd Operationally Ready Enhanced Training and Supervision
expertise after their ORNS cycle (e.g. $500
NS (ORNS) Cycle and their last ORNS Cycle. Each NSman would thus $300
engineering and communications). $400
potentially receive at least $15,000 if they complete their NS cycle. Eighty-four more Police $200 $200
Award $100 Current Incentive
regulars will be hired to improve
The benefits will be disbursed from September 2014, backdated to New Incentive
the standards of training and Gold Silver Pass w. Incentive
1st April 2014.
better enforce training safety.
W H AT O F F I C E R S H AV E T O S AY A B O U T T H E
Greater Leadership Opportunities CSNS RECOMMENDATIONS
PNS officers will be presented
Increased Life and Personal Accident Insurance with more opportunities to
excel and demonstrate their On Revamped Recognition On More Efficient Post-NS Transition
NSFs and NSmen will be covered for up to $150,000 for incidents that “Generally, NSFs intend to return to their studies after
potential. “It is heartening to see the Government recognising our
occur during their service, an increase from $100,000.
NS contributions. Post-Secondary Education Account they ORD. By taking care of post-NS transition and
and CPF contributions would help provide much- making it less disruptive, it shows that NSFs are
needed financial support for housing and education being recognised for their contributions during NS
while increased Medisave contributions would help and that there is an effort to help us to reintegrate
subsidise the significant cost of healthcare.” back into society.”
SC/Sgt Ong Yi Teck SC/Cpl Gabriel Sim
Police Coast Guard Police National Service
Department
More Efficient Post-NS Transition
On Greater Leadership Opportunities On the new Overseas
Cohorts are affected by varying “This allows me to challenge my limits and improve Notification Requirements
wait times before entering my skill sets, and also equip me with additional skills
Restructure ACCORD to establish new councils tertiary institutions as they “I welcome the changes to the Overseas Notification
that can only be gained from such opportunities. I
usually have one matriculation Centre requirements as I travel regularly for
will also benefit from experiences that strengthen my
The CSNS recommends restructuring ACCORD to comprise an Employer window. CSNS will work with work. Although I diligently notify the SPF of all my
character. Leadership opportunities will help me not
and Business Council, an Educational Institutions Council and a Family institutions to reduce post-NS overseas travels, I sometimes only remember at the
only in my daily life, but in the working world as well.”
and Community Council. This will promote greater participation and wait time to facilitate a more SC/Sgt So’if Noor DAC(NS) Yeo Kee Seah last minute and will need to apply for it at the airport.
feedback on our NS system from other stakeholders such as parents, efficient transition. Tanglin Police Division Tanglin Police Division With the new requirements, I can now travel hassle-
women, grassroots leaders, employers and students. free!”
SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin and SC Mok Wen Jie
06 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 07
VO I C E S F RO M T H E B LU E
E X P A N D E D H O M E T E A M N S
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
HomeTeamNS, an Association for Police and and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Masagos and Thailand, promotional entry fees for local
LEADING here are many stereotypes about
T
why one would go through OCT,
FROM THE
Civil Defence NSmen, is set to unveil its newly Zulkfli said during the preview that the HTNS attractions such as Universal Studios, S.E.A
renovated Clubhouses at Bukit Batok, Balestier
and Chinatown in November 2014.
plans to extend one year’s free membership to
an NSman’s spouse or parent with no affiliation
Aquarium and River Safari.
such as getting a higher rank
Each HomeTeamNS clubhouse will be a one-
would enable you to do more. For
MIDDLE
to any NS clubhouses to enhance its focus to
The public got a sneak preview of the newly stop venue for family-bonding activities with new
encourage family bonding. The association has
refubished HomeTeamNS Balestier Clubhouse
also tied-up with strategic partners to provide
recreational spots and educational avenues. By SC Mok Wen Jie me, I chose it...because I wanted to
on 25 July 2014, in the second phase of the $26 By 2016, HomeTeamNS will also open a new
members with more benefits. This will include
million ‘Salute to HomeTeam NSmen’ initiave.
exclusive recreational promotions such as 1-for-1
clubhouse at Tampines. experience life as an officer leading
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs stay at Impiana Hotels and Resorts in Malaysia National Service Probationary Inspector (NSPI) my men.
Izhar Bin Jumadi’s dream to be a leader took
on a whole new dimension when he joined the
Experience Thematic Clubhouses
Singapore Police Force (SPF).
The three Home TeamNS clubhouses will be themed
to cater for the different needs of NSmen. The
Inspired to be a role model “However, I am able to interact
N
Bukit Batok Clubhouse will adopt a Family Resort more closely with them individually,
SPI Izhar had gone through the
theme. For NSmen who prefer a “posh experience”,
Officer Cadet Training (OCT) compared to the “top-down” view that
the glittering Balestier Clubhouse will feature an
Course in the Singapore Armed NSPIs have in TRACOM, so I am sort
Executive Lifestyle theme. Not forgetting our NSmen
Forces, where he aspired to lead his of the ‘big brother’ type of influence
who just want a place to chill with their friends, the
own squad or platoon. here,” he quips with a smile. “For
Chinatown Clubhouse’s Social and Networking
example, I would set myself to come
theme will be a great place to get together.
“There are many stereotypes about in 15 minutes early for duty, to act as a
why one would go through OCT, such role model for the other PNSFs to work
Villas at Bukit Batok Members’ Lounge at Chinatown as getting a higher rank would enable towards.”
you to do more. For me, I chose it...
because I wanted to experience life as Seeing both sides of
Discover New Facilities that Bond NSmen and Families an officer leading my men,” NSPI Izhar the coin
shared slightly wistfully.
As a staff officer to the Head of
Members will get to enjoy new facilities such
In addition to the perks of going through Operations & Training, NSPI Izhar
as a supermarket, a childcare centre and an
OCT, such as higher level of leadership has built up his own unique set of
enrichment centre to spend ‘quality family time’
training and stronger camaraderie, he experiences. “The good thing about
at the clubhouses. Members can also dine at a
also had another reason for joining the being an NSPI in a Division is that
variety of new eateries including Fig & Olive, FIX
OCT course. “Looking at my platoon you can be both at the frontline and
– a halal certified cafe, Saizeriya, Milk and Honey
commander, I took him as my role the backend as a staff officer. I also
Gelato and much more!
model. I was inspired to be a role model get deployed for ground operations as
for future cadets.” well.”
“My position lets me see the overall
Quality over quantity ground situation from the command
Air-Conditioned Dining Area at Balestier View of Supermarket at Bukit Batok
Posted to the SPF after the course, he leadership’s perspective, their thoughts
is not commanding his own unit now, and concerns, as well as appreciate
but he is still able to lead as a role the ground perspectives that other
Engaging Activities and Events Galore model to other full-time Police National PNSFs experience. In a way, NSPIs
Servicemen (PNSFs) in Bedok Police are jacks-of-all-trades. The exposure
Singapore’s first multi-shooting arena, Adventure
Division. to higher levels of command instils a
Centre, gyms and chalets are some of the
exciting facilities that had been enhanced for a greater sense of affiliation to the SPF
“In Training Command (TRACOM),
more challenging experience. Members can also and to Singapore as a whole.”
most people see NSPIs as company
enjoy more exclusive tie-ups with our partners commanders, where they have a While his past 15 months in SPF did
and events such as Sentosa Spooktacular 2014, great influence over a large number not quite turn out as he imagined at the
Strong Man Challenge 2014 and Impiana’s of trainees. Posted to Bedok Police start of his NS journey, NSPI Izhar’s
international hotels and resorts! Division, I have a smaller number of commitment and positive attitude
PNSFs that I work with, so I do not towards NS is leading him towards
exert the same influence as company being a trusted leader.
Laser Quest Air Lock at Bukit Batok Fitness Workz at Bukit Batok and Balestier commanders,” NSPI Izhar explains.
To stay updated on the clubhouses’ latest developments, privileges, promotions and awesome giveaways, LIKE HomeTeamNS on www.facebook.com/HomeTeamNS.
Sign up as a HomeTeamNS member at www.hometeamns.sg
SC Mok Wen Jie
08 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 09
PUBLIC ORDER
TACTICAL TRAINING SSI Amiruddin Ramli, Special Operations Command
By
& SC/Cpl Muhammad Alif Bin Sapuan
When a full-time Police National Serviceman (PNSF) dons the blue uniform, he is no different from
any regular officer. In the Special Operations Command’s School of Public Order Training for
3
example, the PNSFs “are of equal standard as the regular officers – they go through the same kind Stairs and Corridor
Clearance
of trainings and some even went for a medic course for two months,” said Senior Station Inspector
The column of six PNSFs
Amiruddin Ramli, a Public Order Tactical Trainer. Police Life presents a look into the training that systematically clears the stairs and
the PNSFs underwent one morning. corridors of any danger. They tackle
one floor at a time, securing entrances
and exits, dominating the building.
1
Working with
Riot Shields
The PNSFs are guided by Senior
Station Inspector Amiruddin on the
4
execution of the Interlocking and ‘Roof- Tactical
On’ Drill. This tactic provides protection Ladder Drill
from projectiles from the top and sides.
The same column sets up and deploys
It will be adopted when entering a
the Tactical Ladder to access the
building with rioters and protesters
second floor of a building as the ground
armed with projectiles overlooking
floor is barricaded or obstructed. They
troopers’ ground movement.
then did a quick ascent via the ladder.
5
“Angry man”
2 Tactics
The PNSFs deal with an armed man
Building in a confined room. In groups of two
Entry Tactics or more, they try to corner the armed
”Missiles” (Projectiles) are lobbed and man before subduing him. Senior
thrown by the trainers from the upper Station Inspector Amiruddin reminds
floors of an apartment block towards the PNSFs not to show their back to
the approaching six-men column. the armed man.
SSgt Chee Yong Tat
10 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 11
BREWING
HE R I TAGE
MORE TEETH IN THE
FIGHT AGAINST CRIME
WITH THE PNS(F)
SUPPORT By SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin
By Reproduced from Police Life 1976
Singapore literally relies heavily on “man” power to
The 2000-strong Police National Service (Full-time) component which turned a year old sustain its safety and defense. That is why National
in July 1976 is already emerging as an effective force, making its presence felt in various Service (NS) is the bedrock of Singapore. Yet, in
spheres in the Police Force and the local community. a survey conducted by the National University of
Singapore’s Institute of Policy Studies in 2013, two
out of five respondents felt that employers prefer
to hire people without NS commitments. Police Life
finds out what one employer has to say.
M
s Alicia Teoh is the owner “It would be a big challenge should all
of Cafe Haus situated near of them get recalled at the same time. I
Chinatown. Despite being a can easily hire part time service crew to
Malaysian, she is no stranger to NS, serve the customers. But as we operate
as she manages four NSmen in her a café, we need skilled Baristas more
company. than service crew,” said Ms Teoh.
All four NSmen work as baristas in her Nonetheless, workarounds are always
café. Ms Teoh has no issues making possible. She will gladly allow them
work arrangements when any of them is to fulfill their NS duties if she is given
away on NS duties. Having the NSmen ample time to plan for temporary
recalled at different times helps make replacements. I strongly encourage more companies to
her manpower planning easier.
Responsible men who can
hire these people (NSmen) as they possess
It all boils down to be depended upon a more positive attitude towards work and
planning ahead
However, she admits that recalls can
Even though these NSmen can be
away for up to 18 days in one recall,
thus will value add to the company.”
pose some difficulties to businesses. Ms Teoh is not shying away from hiring Ms Alicia Teoh
staff with NS commitments. In fact,
she is encouraging more companies
to hire NSmen.
Looking at Vigilante Constable (VC)
(NS) Daniel Ng, one of the NSmen in
her team, Ms Teoh explains, “I think
those who have undergone NS are
more matured and responsible. They
A
ccording to Assistant maximum utilization of police manpower PNS(F) personnel through interaction are aware of what they are doing and
Superintendent of Police reserves in vertical policing of high-rise and participation in a common require less supervision to complete
(ASP) Special Duties, Mr apartments and HDB flats. Mr Yeow programme. “It also aims at breaking their tasks.”
Yeow Yew Toong, the full-time NS said, “Since their deployment, PNS(F) the monotony of routine duties in the
service and promoting a more congenial “Alicia trusts me to carry out tasks
men have been of great assistance to personnel have accounted for 1500
working atmosphere,” he added. independently. She even ropes me
the Regular Force in crime prevention arrests, 163 convictions and 1010
operations by increasing Police patrols in to discuss and plan promotional
cases including armed robbery, theft,
in a number of neighbourhoods. Since the inception of the Police events for the store,” said VC (NS)
possession of offensive weapons, drug
National Service (Full-time) in July 1975, Ng, who has been working in the café
trafficking and illegal immigrants.”
He said, “With the posting of the the last six months after completing
the Police have enlisted five separate
PNS(F) personnel to all land divisions “These NS men have worked on a his NS.
intakes of Special Constable and
and units there is now widespread “gotong royong” project to help metal the Vigilante Corp National Servicemen, These help to upgrade their skills in
deployment in strengthening the 350-metre long Jalan Tangki in the Jalan With the Committee to Strengthen
and one batch of cadet officers. Police professionalism as well as re-
regular police anti-crime patrol round- Eunos area and performed yeoman NS’s recommendation of enhancing
orientate them after a change from one
the-clock in the Neighbourhood service by weeding grass plots and awards for employers supportive of
Besides the three-month Basic Training phase of duty to another. The change of
Policing Structure throughout our NS, more companies will hopefully
pruning hedges at the Woodlands Home at the Police Academy and further duty is to sustain their interest and boost
island Republic.” support NS and the NSmen in their
for the Aged. These community service in-service training at Divisional and their morale so as to make deployment
programmes, according to ASP Yeow, employment.
The deployment of full-time NS Unit levels, PNS(F) personnel also go during their period of 24 months National
men has been made in line with the will promote better relations amongst through periodic refresher courses. Service more meaningful.
SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin
12 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 13
H E L P I N G B E YO N D H I S
NS COMMITMENTS
Having assumed the role of Chief involved some 3,000 NSmen through
Executive Officer more than four years dialogues, surveys and focus groups to
ago in two local companies, Deputy identify their needs and views on the
Assistant Commissioner of Police association. Some of the new facilities
MORE
(DAC) (NS) Benjamin Tan Beng Jin in the transformed HTNS will include a
(above right) possesses a wealth of supermarket chain, a childcare centre
Keong, is also all for the matching “The invaluable experience gained experience in the hospitality industry. and Singapore’s first multi-shooting
of servicemen’s skills and at PAD gave me an edge when I It was little surprise then that his arena.
preferences during NS. was searching for a job and also expertise was called upon to aid in the
Before being roped in to help in the
gave me the upper hand when I transformation of the HomeTeamNS
OPPORTUNITIES
“Apart from the obvious benefits HTNS transformation, DAC (NS) Tan,
was negotiating for a better pay (HTNS), a recreational association
for the serviceman, the Force was fulfilling his NS commitment as NS
package. My employer was very that serves the Home Team’s 260,000
also stands to gain from the Commander of Airport Police Division.
interested in the work I did at PAD past and present NSmen.
NSF’s skills set. In Jiawei’s He clearly relishes the opportunity to
and I was also able to benefit my
case, his background in mass “I was able to provide applicable contribute to NS as he has gained so
company by contributing fresh
communications made him ideal insight into the financial aspects, much from it.
ideas that I picked up during my
for his job posting. He required little start-up requirements and operational
NS,” SC (NS) Goh said. ”My NS experience, particularly with
coaching and was able to support details in relation to the new HTNS
the SPF, has had the single largest
FOR OUR NATIONAL
the operational requirements He did not have any official developments in these areas,” said
impact on my life, both professionally
of the department quickly and recognition and accreditation of DAC (NS) Tan.
and personally. When I was a full-time
effectively. We were in need of a these skills in any documents
Now the Deputy Director in the School NS officer at a land division, I learnt
bilingual PNSF with some form of that he could show. So he is
SERVICEMEN
of Hospitality in Republic Polytechnic, to be thorough in planning and to be
media training and he fit the bill naturally supportive of another
DAC (NS) Tan had reviewed the nimble, flexible and to always remain
perfectly.” CSNS recommendation to have
By SC Mok Wen Jie & HTNS Sembawang resort operations focussed, objective and practical,
SSgt Lim Jia Zhong Edwin the serviceman’s skills reflected
and food & beverage operations and especially when things do not go
SC (NS) Goh certainly gained in his Certificate of Service, so
W
concepts. He was also tasked to according to plan during execution.
hen the recommendations Service (NS) are important in the Jumping at the chance for a “I was surprised, albeit pleasantly, to from his NS experience. “The 18 that they can be better valued by
future and careers of these national be given the opportunity to join the explore and develop new services and I learnt how to remain calm under
made by the Committee to relevant job scope months I spent in the department employers, educational institutions
servicemen. Matching their skills to PAD. Like many of my squad mates, facilities concepts. pressure, because the officers that you
Strengthen National Service SC (NS) Goh Jiawei served his NS in reaffirmed my desire to work in the and the wider society.
their vocation is thus vital in enhancing I was worried about where I would worked with depended on you for clear
(CSNS) were first announced in the the Police’s Public Affairs Department communications field.”It was the “The proposal phase was challenging
the operational effectiveness of both be posted to and whether I would be “I hope that more NSFs benefit direction, especially as senior officer.”
middle of the year, I was immediately (PAD) after completing his basic perfect preparation for my career.” from day one, for us NSmen involved.
drawn to the recommendation about the servicemen and the department able to cope with the job scope of the same way I did, now that there
police training at the Home Team We had heavy personal and full-time job “I have absolutely no doubt that today,
providing more opportunities for our they are serving in. my posting,” SC (NS) Goh shared. would be some form of official
Academy in 2010. At that time, he had Acknowledging their responsibilities to juggle whilst applying I am a better father, friend, leader,
national servicemen. “When the chance came up, I took it accreditation for skills gained
I knew that for some time, the Police just completed his Diploma in Mass work ourselves fully to the proposal phase colleague and team-mate, and can
up without any hesitation.” during National Service,” SC (NS)
has been deploying servicemen in a Communications and was asked by SC (NS) Goh has been working tasks at hand,” said DAC (NS) Tan. contribute better to any role that I have
Apart from the general life lessons Goh said.
manner that takes into account their the Officer-in-Charge of his Squad in the corporate communications to play in society,” said DAC (NS) Tan.
that all national servicemen gain, I Indeed, the transformation was not
am a strong believer that many of the skills and preferences where possible. if he was keen to be deployed to the A win-win situation department of one of the largest
an easy journey as the process
technical, support, leadership and One such example is a NSman I met PAD. The 25-year-old’s former supervisor, listed companies in Singapore
specialist skills gained during National recently. Superintendent of Police Lau Kian since 2012.
SC Mok Wen Jie and Airport Police Division
14 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 15
FROM BOYS
BEING POSITIVE
TO POLICEMEN ABOUT NATIONAL SERVICE
By
SC (NS) Goh Jiawei and
SC/Cpl Muhammad Alif Bin Sapuan
By SC Mok Wen Jie
The journey of every Police officer begins at the Home Team Academy (HTA). As the core training
centre for the Singapore Police Force (SPF), it is the place where every officer is moulded and In September last year, Madam Hazlinah Yaacob watched as her son, SC/Cpl Abdul Hadi Bin Shaari,
shaped into officers of integrity and courage. enlisted with the Singapore Police Force (SPF). After almost a year, Police Life finds out how
she continues to support her son, as well as her thoughts about National Service (NS) from a
Choo said, “The most thrilling incident I
parent’s viewpoint.
have attended was a housebreaking in
progress. The thief was trying to steal
valuables from an open window of a
Encouraging him Furrowing her eyebrows, she pauses,
particular unit and fled after he spotted to be independent and then quickly adds, “To be honest,
N
us.” SC/Sgt Choo and his partner eighbourhood Police Centre I am very worried...they look after
gave chase immediately and called for Officers (NPCOs) like SC/Cpl Singapore, but they have to look after
assistance. Together with officers who Hadi have some of the harshest themselves as well. However, I am
drove around the area in a patrol car, work schedules. They work in shifts, a confident that he will not be alone
the thief was eventually cornered. “The drastic departure from a standard office there, there would be a close knit team
satisfaction of apprehending the culprit hour job. Mdm Hazlinah takes this together with him... If everybody were
was indescribable. Although we knew positively. “I cannot constantly remind to be so scared, then who would want
the area better than the thief who was him to manage his time responsibly, to be a police officer, who would want
running aimlessly, without the help from since our schedules greatly differ now to protect all of us?”
my other colleagues, it would have been due to his shift work. So I let him take
challenging to pin him down,” he said. care of his own schedule...Ultimately, Positive thinking is
he will learn to be more responsible important
Emerging as Dependable with his time, which is good, as he will Mdm Hazlinah believes that one should
Officers learn to be independent.” be positive about NS. “Don’t take it as
As the 22-year-old has ended his two if it is boring and difficult, because if
However, that does not mean that you are fixated on that idea, your time
year full-time National Service some
months back, he reflected on the stint there is no family time. “When the in NS will be unproductive. If you think
and has a word of advice for future family wishes to spend time together, positively, you look forward to learning
enlistees. we arrange our schedule according new things, spending time with friends,
to his time. I would only cook special and at the same time spending time
“Your journey will be full of excitement meals when he is around, as I don’t with your family; you will go through
L
and it will be enriching. You will come want him to miss out on that,” said NS smoothly.”
ike many other regular officers, Skills for Life there were times when I was in a state
Police full-time National of shock while attending to critical cases across situations that you might not Mdm Hazlinah.
Now a Neighbourhood Police Centre Besides the usual family time, parents
Servicemen (PNSFs) tend to such as people attempting suicide. It took have a chance elsewhere. Treat your
Officer serving at the Geylang can also support their sons by providing
time here as a learning experience
approach the Police Officers’ Basic Neighbourhood Police Centre, he sees a lot of persuasion to prevent the person A Parent’s Worry
A MOTHER’S VIEW
and with a positive mindset. I assure more positive thinking. Mdm Hazlinah
Course with trepidation and anxiety, several benefits from the five months from committing suicide and to get down When asked about how she felt about
that you will not regret serving your explains: “What you have to do is to
worried about being thrown into the spent training at the HTA. from the window ledge safely. There her son being posted as an NPCO,
National Service.” motivate your child, and be positive.
deep end with a group of people they were also times when I was taunted by
she replies, “I encouraged him, You should not say things like NS is a
B E N E F I T S O F N AT I O N A L S E RV I C E
barely know. “Looking back, I learnt a lot during the complainants who questioned my ability Each PNSF’s journey is unique, but because I feel that this would allow waste of time. You try not to pump in all
basic course: from the various laws because of my age.” one thing is certain: they emerge him to experience real life situations the negative things into their thoughts. “NS will definitely develop the confidence and discipline in our sons. You
SC/CPL Nur Naufal S/O Abdul Halal in Singapore to basic police defence
Albeit his challenges, there were some from National Service as motivated in the outside world. So he has to be Try to tell them that they are there to
was one such trainee. tactics to life saving and first aid. These can see the boys really turn into men, with all the physical and mental
fond memories. Valuing teamwork and individuals, equipped with the right skills disciplined and responsible to take care learn something new, and have fun in
lessons and skills that I picked up training. This will nurture them into better persons in the future, be
“I can still remember the night before trust from his colleagues, SC/SGT to be police officers we can count on. of himself while performing his duties.” the process.”
are not just applicable during the two mentally tougher and able to push on no matter what hardship they will
enlistment as I kept tossing and years of national service but also to my face later on in their lives.”
turning in bed. I had a lot of concerns everyday life outside of the Force.”
and doubts about making new friends “If they do not go through NS, they might get the misconception that life out
and fitting in. During the confinement “Overall, I’m proud to say that I am now oing through these two years of
G there is so easy. Going through these two years of hardships and lessons
period, I also had to get used to the way someone who is more independent will enable them to appreciate life better and be more responsible.”
the hierarchy system works and there and responsible than I was before,” he hardships and lessons will enable them
beamed.
were a lot of rules and regulations to
abide to,” he recounted.
to appreciate life better and be more “Even having fun with your friends in NS, that is bonding, through which
you come to respect people of various races and walks of life, so that
A Whole Range
of Experiences
responsible...they will not realise it, until when you go out into the world and work, you have the ability to relate
“Fortunately, my anxieties were to other people.”
unfounded and I managed to bond Jurong Police Division Ground one day when something happens, that
instantly with my squad mates. With Response Force officer SC/SGT Leon “They are constantly learning new things, such as problem solving, people
these new friends of mine, I made it Choo is another officer who has grown they have learnt how to handle such an management, teamwork...all these things happen in the real world, so
through the compulsory confinement leaps and bounds because of his going through that at an earlier age will really help you later in your life.
period without any major problems. No national service experience. event during NS They will not realise it, until one day when something happens, that they
words could describe my feelings when realise they have learnt how to handle such an event during NS.”
“When I first started, there were a lot
the day for my first book out finally came.”
of obstacles that I faced. For example,
SC Mok Wen Jie SC Mok Wen Jie
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