The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is the national and principal
law enforcement agency
A law enforcement agency (LEA) is any government agency responsible for law enforcement within a specific jurisdiction through the employment and deployment of law enforcement officers and their resources. The most common type of law enforcement ...
responsible for the prevention of crime and law enforcement in the
Republic of Singapore. It is the country's lead agency against organised crime; human and weapons trafficking; cyber crime; as well as economic crimes that goes across domestic and international borders, but can be tasked to investigate any crime under the purview of the
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is accountable to the
Parliament of Singapore
The Parliament of Singapore is the unicameralism, unicameral legislature of the Singapore, Republic of Singapore, which governs the country alongside the President of Singapore. Largely based upon the Westminster system, the Parliament is made ...
.
SPF's main geographical area of responsibilities covers the entire country, consisting of five
regions
In geography, regions, otherwise referred to as areas, zones, lands or territories, are portions of the Earth's surface that are broadly divided by physical characteristics (physical geography), human impact characteristics (human geography), and ...
which are further divided into 55
planning areas. The organisation has various staff departments with specific focuses. These include the
Airport Police Division (APD), which covers policing of Singapore's main civilian airports of
Changi and
Seletar, or the
Police Coast Guard (PCG), which protects and enforces areas under Singapore's territorial waters and its ports.
Formerly known as the Republic of Singapore Police (RSP; ), the SPF is a uniformed organisation. The SPF has declared its mission and vision as to "prevent, deter and detect crime to ensure the safety and security of Singapore". It is Singapore's point of contact for foreign agencies such as
Interpol
The International Criminal Police Organization – INTERPOL (abbreviated as ICPO–INTERPOL), commonly known as Interpol ( , ; stylized in allcaps), is an international organization that facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime cont ...
and other international law enforcement agencies. The organisational structure of the SPF is split between staff and line functions, which is roughly modelled after the
Singapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are the military of the Republic of Singapore, responsible for protecting and defending the security interests and the sovereignty of the country. A component of the Ministry of Defence (Singapore), Ministry of D ...
(SAF).
The SPF currently consists of sixteen staff departments, four specialist staff departments, eighteen specialist and line units as well as seven land divisions. Its headquarters are located at one of the blocks of the New Phoenix Park building in the
Novena district, which is located directly adjacent to a twin block occupied by the MHA. Situated within the headquarters are the Police Heritage Centre (PHC), which is open to the public and showcases the SPF's history through its various exhibits and multimedia displays.
As of 2023, the SPF has a strength of approximately 11,500 personnel: 10,400
sworn officers and 1,100 civilian staff. The SPF has generally been credited as being the forefront in keeping crime in Singapore low, as well as being relatively transparent in its policing. Accordingly, Singapore has been considered as being one of
least corrupt and safest countries in the world. The SPF also works closely with the
Internal Security Department (ISD) and the
Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). As of 2022, the current Minister of Home Affairs is
K Shanmugam, while the current
commissioner
A commissioner (commonly abbreviated as Comm'r) is, in principle, a member of a commission or an individual who has been given a commission (official charge or authority to do something).
In practice, the title of commissioner has evolved to incl ...
of the SPF is Hoong Wee Teck.
History
Early years
The Singapore Police Force was founded in 1820, starting with just 11 men under the command of
Francis James Bernard, the son-in-law of
William Farquhar.
[Farquhar to Raffles, 5 May 1820, L.10, Straits Settlement Records.] With no background nor knowledge on policing, Bernard had to work from scratch, as well as occasionally turning to Farquhar for help. In addition, he held multiple roles as
magistrate
The term magistrate is used in a variety of systems of governments and laws to refer to a civilian officer who administers the law. In ancient Rome, a '' magistratus'' was one of the highest ranking government officers, and possessed both judi ...
, chief jailer, harbour master, marine storekeeper, as well as personal assistants to Farquhar. Farquhar informed Raffles that he had provisionally introduced licences for opium and alcohol sales that would raise $650 per month, with $300 of this sum being used to run a small police department.
As the department took form, Bernard became in charge of a writer, one
jailor, one ''
jemadar'' (
sergeant
Sergeant (Sgt) is a Military rank, rank in use by the armed forces of many countries. It is also a police rank in some police services. The alternative spelling, ''serjeant'', is used in The Rifles and in other units that draw their heritage f ...
) and eight ''peada'' (constables) by May 1820.
Raffles approved these arrangements by August 1820 and cemented the formal establishment of a police force in Singapore. Manpower constraints meant that the men had to perform a wide range of roles, and required the help of headmen among the various ethnic communities to maintain orderliness on the streets.
Many laws that were enacted during this time remains in force today. These include the passing of Singapore's first arms law in March 1823, which heavily restricts the ability to bear arms. Nearly two centuries later, these anti-arms laws continue to be strictly enforced, resulting in a society relatively free from firearms-related criminal offences.
1965–present
The SPF remains the sole policing force in Singapore after its independence. The country has one of the lowest murder rates in the world, as well as the lowest firearm-related death rates.
The major crimes that tend to affect the Singaporean populace in the 21st century are usually
cybercrimes, such as
scams that are often based overseas. In 2020, cybercrimes made up almost half of all crimes in Singapore.
In 2025, Singapore police have investigated over 850 scam cases that have resulted in financial losses totaling approximately SG$15.4 million. These scams involve phishing, impersonation, and fraudulent online transactions, targeting individuals and businesses across the country. Authorities are actively working to identify the perpetrators, recover the stolen funds, and raise public awareness about scam prevention.
Organisational structure
Leadership
Staff departments
Specialist staff departments
Specialist and land units
Land divisions are given designations according to the
NATO phonetic alphabet
The International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet or simply the Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, commonly known as the NATO phonetic alphabet, is the most widely used set of clear-code words for communicating the letters of the Latin/Roman ...
.
Defunct land divisions include:
*
Toa Payoh Police Division ('B' Division), merged with Tanglin Police Division
* Geylang Police Division ('C' Division), merged with Bedok Police Division
Finances
The Singapore Police Force receives the highest budget allocation annually as compared to the various departments of the
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), typically accounting for about 50% of its annual budget. For the fiscal year of 2013 (for the year beginning 1 April 2013), S$3.89 billion was budgeted to the MHA, of which 47.8% or S$1.86 billion was allocated for the Police Programme. Actual expenses in the 2013 fiscal year were S$2.04 billion, of which S$1.88 billion was spent on operating expenditure (against the budgeted S$1.79 billion) and S$159.1 million on development expenditure (budgeted at $71.83 million).
[
] Manpower costs amounting to S$1.16 billion continue to dominate the SPF's expenditure, accounting for 61.7% of its operating expenditure and 56.9% of total expenditure in FY2013.
The latest budget for fiscal year 2015, S$2.47 billion was allocated to the Police Programme,
or 49.5% of MHA's total budget of S$5 billion (the
Ministry of Defence, in comparison, received a S$13.12 billion budget allocation). This includes S$2.26 billion for Operating Expenditure and $210.93 million for Development Expenditure. The main Development Expenditures expected in FY2015 included the construction of new buildings such as the Woodlands Police Divisional HQ as well as the acquisition of new patrol craft for the
Police Coast Guard and the installation of police cameras at more HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks.
[
]
Manpower
, the total strength of the force stands at 43,600.
Manpower trends in recent years are as follows:
Regulars
Regulars, or uniformed, full-time officers, constitute about 20% of the police's total workforce and number approximately 9,000 in strength. Basic entry requirements for police officers include normal fitness levels, good eyesight, and at least five passes in the GCE Ordinary level or a NITEC from the
Institute of Technical Education, although those with lower qualifications may still be considered. Those joining the senior police officers require a basic degree from a recognised university. Alternatively, police officers from the junior ranks may also be considered for promotion into the senior ranks. Officers serving in the force as national servicemen are also regularly considered for absorption into the regular scheme. Basic training for all officers are conducted at the
Home Team Academy, under the purview of the Police Training Command. It takes about six months and nine months to train a new police officer and senior police officer respectively.
As is the case with many other civil service positions in Singapore, the salaries of police officers are reviewed in accordance to market rates. Salaries are kept competitive as part of anti-corruption measures. Gross starting salaries for police officers may range from S$1,820 to S$2,480,
[
] and that of senior police officers from S$3,400 to S$4,770,
[
] depending on entry qualifications, relevant/useful work experiences and National Service.
Police officers commence their careers as Sergeants (Full GCE 'A' level or Diploma holders),
while senior police officers start as Inspectors (bachelor's degree). Reviews of an officer's performance for promotion consideration are conducted annually.
Police National Servicemen (PNS)
When full-time
National Service (NS) was first introduced in Singapore in 1967, it was initially solely aimed and geared towards the building-up of the
Singapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are the military of the Republic of Singapore, responsible for protecting and defending the security interests and the sovereignty of the country. A component of the Ministry of Defence (Singapore), Ministry of D ...
(SAF). Meanwhile, in Singapore Police Force, NS was not extended to that of compulsory full-time service, with police NS being only part-time, unlike that of the SAF. There was little urgency and pressure for the police force to increase its overall manpower-strength until the
Laju incident of 1974, Singapore's first encounter with international terrorism, demonstrated the need for additionally trained reserve-officers who could be called up at short-notice in the event of a national crisis or a major and serious public emergency. Singapore's full-time National Service policy was thus extended to the Singapore Police Force in 1975, which stemmed from the then-primary aim of guarding and protecting key and vital public installations, such as sensitive ones like power substations and petrochemical industries, and to act as a swift-response reserve unit. Subsequent expansion of this NS scheme, along with changing security needs and requirements and the trend in
outsourcing
Outsourcing is a business practice in which companies use external providers to carry out business processes that would otherwise be handled internally. Outsourcing sometimes involves transferring employees and assets from one firm to another ...
key-installation protection (such as to the various local
auxiliary police forces) has expanded the role of police national servicemen to more varied functions, which may range from mainstream administration and operations (such as the role of Staff Assistants (SAs) based in offices), to basic police investigation (like the Ground Response Force (GRF) of the SPF's Land Divisions) and front line policing (as seen in the Police Coast Guard), alongside their regular counterparts.
Volunteers
Formed in 1946, The Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) is an important component of the Singapore Police Force, contributing more than fifty years of volunteer service to the nation.
The VSC is composed of volunteers from all walks of life in Singapore, from businessmen to blue-collar executives to even bus captains, bonded with the same aspiration to serve the nation by complementing the Singapore Police Force. They are vested with equal powers of a police officer to enforce law and order in Singapore. VSC Officers don the same police uniform and patrol the streets, participate in anti-drug operations and sometimes even high-speed sea chases.
Previously headquartered at the
Eu Tong Sen Street Police Station and
Toa Payoh Police Station, it relocated to the new
Police Cantonment Complex in the year 2000.
Civilian staff
Civilian staff in the Police Force are deployed in areas such as technology, logistics, human resource, and administrative and financial services as well as investigation, planning and intelligence.
[
]
The civilian staff schemes fall under the general civil service schemes managed by the Public Service Division. These schemes include:
* Commercial Affairs Officer (CAO) Scheme for Accountancy, Law, Business Administration, Business or Economics degree holders
** Commercial Affairs Officer
* Home Team Specialist (HTS) Scheme for degree and diploma holders
** Home Team Specialist
* Home Affairs Senior Executive (HASE) Scheme for degree holders
** Management Executive (MX)
* Management Support Scheme for diploma holders and below
** Management Support Officer (MSO)
** Corporate Support Officer (CSO)
* Technical Support Scheme for diploma holders and below
** Technical Support Officer (TSO)
The civilisation of non-core police functions has accelerated over the years in order to free up additional manpower for redeployment into Police Divisions. Other changes include the deployment of contract staff through organisations such as
Ministry of Finance's VITAL.org for administrative staff and partners such as
ST Engineering
ST Engineering, is a global technology, defence and engineering group with a diverse portfolio of businesses across the aerospace, smart city, defence and public security segments. Headquartered in Singapore, the group reported a revenue of ov ...
and
Cyber Security Agency for technical support.
Staff welfare
* Aquatic Club
* Home United Basketball Club (HUBC)
* Home United Football Club (HUFC)
* JOM – Clubhouse for Police Officers
* Polwel Co-operative Society Limited
* Police Sports Association (PSA)
* Police Welfare Division
* Senior Police Officers' Mess (SPOM)
* Singapore Police Co-operative Society Limited
Uniforms

Dark blue is the organisational colour of the Singapore Police Force and has remained so continuously since 1969. Derivatives of the standard blue uniform (collectively called the No. 3 uniform) was adopted for specialised forces and for all officers in various occasions which calls for more formal or casual attire.
The Traffic Police Department adopted a short-sleeved white tunic, dark blue
breeches, a black leather
Sam Browne belt, and riding boots for its officers performing mobile squad duties. A white crash helmet is worn when on the move, while a new dark blue
jockey cap with chequered white and dark blue patterns around its circumference is worn when convenient while performing static duty. Members of the Vigilante Corps are also attired by a white short-sleeved top similar in design to the dark blue version for normal officers, gold-coloured buttons and badges, and a dark blue
beret in place of the
peaked cap
A peaked cap, peaked hat, service cap, barracks cover, or combination cap is a form of headgear worn by the armed forces of many nations, as well as many uniformed civilian organisations such as law enforcement agencies and fire departments. It d ...
.
Combat uniforms have also been adopted for specialist units such as those from the
Special Operations Command and the
Police Coast Guard (PCG), collectively known as the No. 4 uniforms. These involve the replacement of metal buttons with sewn-on plastic ones, the avoidance of all other metallic accruements which are deemed potentially hazardous to the officer or to others and the use of long-sleeved shirts.
The SPF introduced new uniforms made of 98% polyester and 2% spandex with better stretchable, perspiration absorption, and faster drying characteristics, as "part of ongoing efforts to improve officers' operational effectiveness and support them in their work". The word "police" is embroidered above the name tag of the new uniforms and the metallic buttons replaced with concealed plastic buttons for better comfort to allow officers put on the body vests over their uniforms. Riveted buttons are also fixed on the shoulders to allow the attachment of a
body worn camera.
Ranks
The following rank structure is used throughout the police force:
The rank of corporal (CPL) was abolished in 1972, but reinstated in 1976. In 1997, the location of all rank devices was shifted from the sleeves to the shoulder epaulets except for the Gurkha Contingent. Also in the same year, the station inspector rank insignia was changed from collar pips to a
coat of arms of Singapore with upward-pointing chevrons above and an arc below, a design similar to that of the
warrant officers of the Singapore Armed Forces, while the rank of
senior station inspector (SSI) was also introduced. In 1998, the
senior station inspector (2) (SSI(2)) rank was introduced, and changes were made to the SI, SSI, and SSI(2) rank designs. The rank of lance corporal was abolished in 2002. In 2006, the Gurkha Contingent adopted embroidered ranks as part of an overhaul of its combat dress, but are worn on the right chest pocket.
In July 2016, a revamped rank overhaul was done with the retirement of the ranks of staff sergeant, senior station inspector (1) and senior station inspector (2), as well as the abolishment of the separation line between junior officers and senior officers, to unify a unified rank-scheme. In addition, the sergeant rank has three different grades noted by a number from ''1'' to ''3'' placed in parentheses and suffixed to the rank abbreviation; namely, SGT(1), SGT(2), and SGT(3).
Former ranks
Equipment
Weapons
Police officers in the various divisions are armed when conducting regular uniformed patrols and plainclothes duties. Officers from different units are issued with different weapons.
The five-shot .38
Taurus Model 85 with 3-inch barrel featuring a laser sight by Crimson Trace is the standard issued sidearm of the Singapore Police Force with 10 rounds of ammunition. In 2015, the SPF purchased a number of
CZ P-07 semi-automatic pistols. From 2016, selected officers were issued with the pistols as a trial. In 2019, it was announced that the
Glock 19
Glock (; stylized as GLOCK) is a brand of polymer-Receiver (firearms), framed, Recoil operation#Short recoil operation, short-recoil-operated, striker-fired, locked-breech semi-automatic pistols designed and produced by Austrian manufacturer G ...
was chosen as a replacement to the Taurus revolver. In addition to the use of the handguns, the police also use the
Heckler & Koch MP5 sub-machine gun and the
Remington 870 shotgun.
Extendable batons were initially used by specialist units such as Security Command and Special Operations Command, however, it has since been used by officers from other front-line units, replacing the
Monadnock PR-21 side-handle baton. Sabre Red
pepper spray
Pepper spray, oleoresin capsicum spray, OC spray, capsaicin spray, mace, or capsicum spray is a Tear gas, lachrymator (tear gas) product containing as its active ingredient the chemical compound capsaicin, which irritates the eyes with burning ...
canisters are exclusively equipped to the officers of
Police Coast Guard and
Police Tactical Unit
A police tactical unit (PTU) is a specialized police unit trained and equipped to handle situations that are beyond the capabilities of ordinary law enforcement units because of the level of violence (or risk of violence) involved. The tasks of a ...
. A pair of
handcuffs
Handcuffs are Physical restraint, restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists in proximity to each other. They comprise two parts, linked together by a Link chain, chain, a hinge, or rigid bar. Each cuff has a rotating arm whi ...
is issued to the officers as restraints.
The
Taser X26E stun gun was procured in the late 2000s and is part of the officers' equipment, which provides another non-lethal means of subduing suspects. Despite safety concerns due to incidents experienced by foreign police forces, the weapon was deemed suitable for use by trained personnel, and was rolled out across other NPCs. In 2018, the Taser X26E was replaced with the
X26P model.
Retired Weapons
* Sterling Mk IV SMG
* Sten Mk IV SMG
* Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk II bolt-action rifle and jungle carbine
* FN FAL / L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle
* Webley Mk IV .38 revolver
* Uzi SMG
* Mini Uzi carbine
* Federal Riot Gun
* Smith and Wesson Model 36 3" Revolver and 2" Hammer Shroud Revolver
* H&K P7 (limited use)
* Browning HP (limited use)
* Glock 34 (Police Shooting Team circa 1995)
* CP Truncheon
*M1 Carbine
Vehicles

Land division officers typically patrol and respond to calls in vehicles known as the
Fast Response Car (FRC). Car models that have been used by the SPF include the
Subaru Impreza TS 1.6.
In 2005, the SPF introduced the new
Fast Response Vehicle (FRV), consisting of modified
Toyota Hi-Lux sport utility vehicles with a back compartment to carry equipment.
In 2009, the SPF introduced Forward Command Vehicles. These were replaced in 2017 by Division Command Vehicles with greater mobility designed to enhance command, control and coordination.
[
] In addition, the SPF introduced new unmanned aerial vehicles with red and blue siren lights, a searchlight, a high-definition camera and an audio warning system. The UAVs are controlled by two-man teams (consisting of a pilot and a safety officer) and are designed to conduct search and rescue operations, attending public order incidents, traffic management, hostage situations and crowd monitoring.
Police from the Community Policing Units may also patrol in residential neighbourhoods on bicycles. At the 2007
Singapore National Day Parade, the Singapore Police Force unveiled a
Tenix S600 APC (
Armored Personnel Carrier
An armoured personnel carrier (APC) is a broad type of armoured military vehicle designed to transport personnel and equipment in combat zones. Since World War I, APCs have become a very common piece of military equipment around the world.
Acc ...
) had been purchased for its operations for the Special Operations Command, and in NDP 2015, the Achleitner HMV Survivor and the
Gurkha MPV by Terradyne Armored Vehicles Inc was unveiled.
The various specialist units may also make use of other specialised equipment specific to their scope of duty
Other vehicles used by the various units include:
Land Divisions
Police Security Command
* Volvo XC60 – SUV
* Volvo S90 – Saloon
* Volvo S80 – Saloon
* Mitsubishi Pajero – SUV
Traffic Police
* BMW R1250RT-P – Motorcycle
* Yamaha Diversion XJ900P – Motorcycle
* Volvo S80 – Saloon
* Subaru Impreza – Saloon
* BMW 325d – Saloon
* Iveco Daily – Van
* Polestar 2 -Liftback
Special Operations Command
Gurkha Contingent
Defunct divisions and establishments
*
Old Police Academy () – vacated in 2006, relocated to Old Choa Chu Kang Road as part of the
Home Team Academy, leaving behind the Police National Service provost unit and Traffic Police driving test school. The accommodation barracks and training facilities of the Old Police academy currently houses the training departments for all auxiliary police forces in Singapore.
*
Geylang Police Division () defunct 'C' Division HQ – closed and vacated in 2000, areas of responsibility was divided between 'A', 'F' & 'G' Divisions. Station's status – Currently in use by Geylang NPC under 'G' Bedok Police Division and by
Public Transport Security Command.
*
Toa Payoh Police Division () defunct 'B' Division HQ – closed and vacated in 1988, areas of responsibility was divided between 'E' & 'F' Divisions. Station was refurbished and is currently in use by
Security Command.
* Police Radio Division (01°16′59″N 103°50′29″E) defunct "R" Division. Responsible for dispatching quick response "R" Division cars. Closed 1990s.
Land Divisions
*
Beach Road Police Station () – former site of 'A' Division HQ, vacated in 2000.
*
Eu Tong Sen Street Police Station () – former HQ site of
CAD,
CID &
VSC since 1994, vacated in 2001 and was transferred to the charge of SLA. Station status pending.
*
Joo Chiat Police Station () – former site of 'G' Division HQ, vacated in 1987 and was transferred to the charge of SLA, which in turn released the premises for use by private developers.
*
Old Hill Street Police Station () – vacated in 1980, this old police station and barracks was renovated in 1983 and became part of MCCY and MCI.
*
Paya Lebar Police Station () – former site of 'F' Division HQ, vacated in 1987, now became
2nd Division HQ SCDF.
*
Queenstown Police Station () – former site of 'D' Division HQ, vacated in 1988, now became
1st Division HQ SCDF.
*
Orchard Police Station – former site of 'E' Division HQ, demolished in 1983, now became
ION Orchard and
Orchard MRT station.
*
Old Tanglin Police Station () – former site of 'E' Division HQ, vacated in 2001, now became
Interpol Global Complex for Innovation.
*
Taman Jurong Police Station () – vacated in 1980 and demolished in 1988, the surrounding land at the site has been redeveloped as a HDB housing precinct.
*
Ama Keng Neighbourhood Police Post () sited directly across the road from
Ama Keng Chinese Temple in
Lim Chu Kang, the station was closed and demolished in 1980, currently replaced by a military training area.
*
Bukit Panjang Neighbourhood Police Post (old)
*
Pasir Panjang Neighbourhood Police Post (old) () – closed and vacated in 1986 following the inauguration of
Pasir Panjang NPP &
West Coast NPP. Demolished in 1991, the surrounding land at site was redeveloped as a private condominium – ''The Spectrum''.
*
Woodlands Neighbourhood Police Post () – closed in 1999 (located within the old
Woodlands Checkpoint building since 1980),
Woodlands Neighbourhood Police Centre has since taken over its duty.
*
Kranji Neighbourhood Police Post () – closed and vacated in 1997 following the inauguration of
Yew Tee NPP, building was demolished for land clearing to build factory.
* Woodlands West Neighbourhood Police Centre – closed in 2018 and merged with the new Woodlands Police Division building
Police Coast Guard
*
Kallang Regional Base () – vacated in 2007, relocated to
Brani Regional Base at
Pulau Brani, now occupied by
National Cadet Corps (Sea) Kallang Sea Training Centre.
*
Jurong Regional Base () – vacated in 1999, relocated to
Gul Regional Base, base was demolished to make way for the
Jurong Island Highway.
*
Pulau Sakeng Police Post () – closed and vacated in 1987 after the last islander left, the island was subsumed by the land reclamation process of the nearby
Pulau Semakau. The Semakau landfill receiving station was built on top of the island after the reclamation process.
*
Seletar Regional Base – vacated in 2005, relocated to
Loyang Regional Base, base was demolished to make way for the Seletar Aerospace Park.
Dealing with offences committed by officers
Police officers are governed by the Police Force Act (Chapter 235) and its Police Regulations (Chapter 235, Section 28 and 117) of the Singapore Statutes. The disciplinary offences can be found in its schedule.
Misfeasance and
malfeasance such as
blue wall of silence
The blue wall of silence, also blue code and blue shield, are terms used to denote an informal code of silence among police officers in the United States not to report on a colleague's errors, misconduct, or crimes, especially as related to ...
,
conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline,
corruption
Corruption is a form of dishonesty or a criminal offense that is undertaken by a person or an organization that is entrusted in a position of authority to acquire illicit benefits or abuse power for one's gain. Corruption may involve activities ...
,
misconduct
Misconduct is wrongful, improper, or unlawful conduct motivated by premeditated or intentional purpose or by obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts. It is an act which is forbidden or a failure to do that which is required. Misc ...
and
malicious prosecution
Malicious prosecution is a common law intentional tort. Like the tort of abuse of process, its elements include (1) intentionally (and maliciously) instituting and pursuing (or causing to be instituted or pursued) a legal action ( civil or crim ...
are referred to the
Internal Affairs Office (IAO). The
Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) can be consulted to advise the police on its disciplinary proceedings. Police officers can
whistleblow their colleagues'
official misconducts and
wrongdoings by filing official police reports themselves to officially open
investigation papers against other officers.
Full-time police national servicemen are also subjected to the Police (Special Constabulary) Regulations (Chapter 235, Section 85).
SPF HQ spokesperson routinely issues official statements stating that its officers are not only expected to uphold the law, but also to maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity.
The spokesperson added that SPF deals severely with officers who break the law, including charging them in court.
Also, SPF usually commence disciplinary proceedings against the officers involved, and as well as suspend them pending
internal investigations.
Notable cases
In March 1976, one of Singapore's top prominent senior lawyers, the late
Subhas Anandan, was arrested by a corrupt policeman for suspected involvement in a secret society under the
Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act. He was remanded without trial in a prison for a few months. Subhas was exonerated and acquitted in November of the same year, following an investigation probe by the
Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau.
On 10 July 2013, ex-policeman Senior Staff Sergeant
Iskandar Rahmat — a 14-year veteran award-winning investigation officer — killed a car workshop owner and the man's son, and has since been on the death row from 2017 onward, after failing in his appeal and president clemency against the death sentence. The case was known as the
Kovan double murders in Singapore media. On 5 February 2025, Iskandar was executed after his appeals to court & clemency to the president unsuccessful.
On 21 July 2023, police sergeant Uvaraja Gopal
committed suicide following workplace harassment and racial discrimination. He had a history of mentally unstable behaviour, leading to him being relieved of carrying firearms in February 2023. He was being investigated after allegedly assaulting his brother a few days prior, and a report was filed by his mother saying she feared for her safety. The case garnered national attention and outrage, with calls for an independent inquiry due to beliefs of a coverup.
Media outreach efforts
Through the Public Affairs Department, SPF has collaborated with the media industry to produce content that supports and promote the mission and brand of the organisation.
Books
* ''
In the service of the nation'', 1985
* ''
999: True Cases from the CID'', 1987
* ''
Service to the Nation: 50 years of the Volunteer Special Constabulary'', 1998
* ''
Policing Singapore in the 19th & 20th centuries'', 2002
* ''Justice is Done'', 2005
* ''
The Adventures of Constable Acai, 1987: A series of crime stories, based on actual crimes from police files were compiled into storybooks from the popular children's magazine Young Generation, about the adventures of a fictional policeman named Constable Acai. They were written by officers from the
Crime Prevention Department to instill crime awareness in children during the '80s through to the mid-'90s. The other books in this series are as below:''
** ''
More Adventures of Constable Acai, 1989''
** ''
Constable Acai Fights Crime, 1996''
** ''Justice is Done 2'', 2022
Novels
* ''
Operation Firestorm'', 1997
Periodical
Periodical literature (singularly called a periodical publication or simply a periodical) consists of Publication, published works that appear in new releases on a regular schedule (''issues'' or ''numbers'', often numerically divided into annu ...
s
* ''
Singapore Police Magazine''
* ''
Police Life'', 1971 to present
* ''
Police Life Annual''
Television programs
* Documentary
** ''
Crimewatch
''Crimewatch'' (formerly ''Crimewatch UK'') is a British television programme produced by the BBC, that reconstructs major unsolved crimes in order to gain information from the public which may assist in solving the case. The programme was or ...
'', 1986–Current
** ''
True Files'', 2002–2007
* Drama Series
** ''
Seletar Robbery'' (实里达大劫案), 1982
** ''
CID '83'', 1983
** ''First Step'' (踏上征途), 1986: On women in the police force
** ''
Patrol'' (铁警雄风), 1989: A take on the lives of the men in the Traffic Police Department
** ''Private Eyes'' (妙探智多星), 1991
** ''
Ladies in action'' (霹雳红唇), 1992
** ''
Crime and Passion'' (執法先鋒), 1992
** ''Lethal Duo'' (天使追辑令), 1994
** ''Dr Justice'' (法医故事), 1994
** ''Neighbourhood Heroies'' (大英雄小人物), 1995
** ''
Triple Nine'', 1995–1998: On the adventures of a CID team.
** ''Secret Files'' (机密档案), 1995
** ''The Shadow Mission'' (地下猎人), 1995
** ''The Dragons Five'' (飞龙五将), 1995
** ''Dr Justice II'' (法医故事II), 1996
** ''
City Cops'' (警网双雄), 1996
** ''
Of Cops And Men'' (城市双雄), 1996
** ''Pursuit of Justice'' (石破天惊), 1997
** ''Act 235'' (刑事235), 1998
** ''
Dare To Strike'' (扫冰者), 14 November 2000: the phrase "Dare to Strike" is the motto of the
Central Narcotics Bureau
** ''The Reunion'' (顶天立地), 26 December 2001
** ''
Heartlanders'', 2002–2005: On two
Neighbourhood Police Centre officers
** ''
True Heroes'' (真心英雄), 5 May 2003: Revolves around the daily lives of three
Neighbourhood Police Centre officers
** ''
The Frontline'' (家在前线), 2003: This fictional six-part TV show depicts how Singaporeans cope after the German mastermind of a neo-anarchist organisation sets off a bomb at a naval base as an anti-imperialistic statement against Singapore's ties with the United States. It showcases the capabilities of the Singapore Police Force and the
Singapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are the military of the Republic of Singapore, responsible for protecting and defending the security interests and the sovereignty of the country. A component of the Ministry of Defence (Singapore), Ministry of D ...
to deal with terrorism. Many technologies introduced in this series has never been before shown to the public. It is also the only local television series to date to accurately depict the Police's elite
Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR) team and the Army's
Special Operations Forces
Special forces or special operations forces (SOF) are military units trained to conduct special operations. NATO has defined special operations as "military activities conducted by specially designated, organized, selected, trained and equip ...
(SOF) although the latter unit was never addressed by name in the show. They were instead referred to as "The Commandos".
** ''When the Time Comes'' (一线之间), 2004
** ''
The Crime Hunters
''The Crime Hunters'' (心网追凶) is a Singaporean Chinese crime drama which was broadcast in 2004. Unlike earlier crime dramas produced by MediaCorp, this series was focused more on forensic investigators rather than police officers.
Synopsis
...
'' (心网追凶), 2004
** ''
Police & Thief'', 2004–2010
** ''Life Line'', 2005–2007
** ''
Zero to Hero'' (阴差阳错), 2005
** ''
Without Warning'', 2006
** ''
The Undisclosed'' (迷云二十天), 2006
** ''
C.I.D.
Cid may refer to:
* Cid (soil)
* Cubic inch (c.i.d., cid), a displacement unit for internal combustion engines
* Cid, a slang term for lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
* Content-ID, a URI scheme (cid:) that allows the use of MIME within email
Peop ...
'' (刑警2人组), 12 June 2006
** ''
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is a biological process by which an animal physically develops including birth transformation or hatching, involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal's body structure through cell growth and different ...
'' (破茧而出), 18 September 2007
** ''
Crime Busters x 2'' (叮当神探), 30 September 2008
** ''
Unriddle'' (最火搭档), 2010
** ''
Vettai : Pledged to Hunt'' (வேட்டை), 23 November 2010 – 30 March 2011
** ''
C.L.I.F.'' (警徽天职), 2011: First drama to be produced in close collaboration with the Singapore Police Force. The
second
The second (symbol: s) is a unit of time derived from the division of the day first into 24 hours, then to 60 minutes, and finally to 60 seconds each (24 × 60 × 60 = 86400). The current and formal definition in the International System of U ...
,
third,
fourth, and
fifth seasons were aired in 2013, 2014, September 2016 and September 2019 respectively.
** ''
Unriddle 2'' (最火搭档2), 2012
** ''
Vettai 2.0: The Next Generation'' (வேட்டை 2.0), 4 January 2012 – 11 May 2013
** ''
Vettai 3: The Final Judgement'' (வேட்டை 3), 17 November 2014 – present
*** ''Mata-Mata Season 1, 2013: background post-World War II in Singapore and establish woman police ''
*** ''Mata-Mata Season 2, 2014: A New Era, background after separation Singapore from Malaysia and secret society '70s''
*** ''Mata-Mata Season 3, 2015: A New Generation, background development Singapore and crime late '70s,early '80s and now''
Movies
* ''
The Last Blood'' (驚天十二小時), 1991
* ''Ace Cops'' (妙警点三八), 1996: Telemovie
* ''Life on the Line'' (魂断四面佛), 1996: Telemovie
* ''
2000 AD'' (公元2000), 1999
* ''
After School'' (放学后), 2004: A film released by the National Crime Prevention Council to harness the power of cinema as a public education tool to reach out to young Singaporeans and their families.
See also
*
List of Singapore police officers killed in the line of duty
*
List of major crimes in Singapore
*
Crime in Singapore
Crime rates in Singapore are some of the lowest in the world, with Misdemeanor, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and street theft rarely occurring, and violent crime being extremely rare. Penalties for drug offences such as Illegal drug trade ...
*
Project Griffin
*
Law enforcement in Singapore
*
List of law enforcement agencies
*
Internal Security Department
*
Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau
References
Notes
Bibliography
* "In the Service of the Nation", John Drysdale, Federal Publications, 1985
* "Phoenix: the story of the Home Team ", Felix Soh, Times Editions, 2003
* "Policing Singapore in the 19th & 20th centuries", Peer M. Akbur, Singapore Police Force, 2002
* "Singapore Police Force Annual", Singapore Police Force, several editions
External links
*
*
Organisation, Recruitment, and Training of Police*
*
*
{{authority control
Organisations of the Singapore Government
Crime in Singapore
National Central Bureaus of Interpol
Law enforcement agencies of Singapore