Servicemen's contributions recognised at Police Day Parade
SINGAPORE – 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Police National Service (PNS), which was conceived after a terror incident in Singapore.
And PNS officers have contributed much to keeping the country safe, said Mr Edwin Tong, who was attending his first police event as the second minister for Home Affairs.
He made these comments on June 3 at the Police Day observance ceremony, which took place at the Home Team Academy at Choa Chu Kang.
Mr Tong, who is also the Minister for Law, thanked police officers past and present for their sacrifices .
He said: 'Policing, we know, is an inherently challenging profession. Threats to our public order and security remain ever present, and your operating environment is increasingly complex and highly demanding.
'Thank you for your steadfast dedication round the clock, for putting your lives on the line to uphold and enforce our laws, to keep Singapore safe and secure.'
PNS was introduced in 1975, a year after the Laju incident, in which four armed attackers targeted the oil refinery on Pulau Bukom and hijacked a ferry, called the Laju, with civilians onboard.
It was Singapore's first brush with international terrorism.
The hostages were released after a group of 13 'guarantors', including former President S R Nathan, boarded the vessel to take their place.
Said Mr Tong: 'We recognised the urgent need to strengthen the protection of our vital installations. And so, full-time PNS was introduced — where their role was established to serve as a credible deterrent against future threats.'
PNS officers now work with regular police officers to perform frontline duties such as patrolling the streets and responding to incidents.
Mr Tong said that in the recent general election more than 8,000 PNS officers were recalled and deployed at rallies, polling stations and counting centres to control crowds and ensure public safety.
Two batches of NSCOs have been deployed to the Anti-Scam Command and Cybercrime Command.
NSCOs detect and disrupt cybercrimes and scams, including operating the ScamShield dashboard to review user-reported scams.
Said Mr Tong: 'They are at the forefront of safeguarding Singapore's digital space as our new generation of cyber defenders.'
Scams and cybercrimes account for the majority of crime in Singapore. A record $1.1 billion was lost here to scams in 2024.
To commemorate the 50 years of PNS, Mr Tong announced that SPF will be holding a series of events including the launch of a PNS50 time capsule, and a graduation parade for the 200th PNSF intake.
Said Mr Tong: 'To our PNS officers, both past and present, thank you very much for stepping up to serve the nation, taking your training seriously, and discharging your duties with the utmost professionalism.
'You have played an invaluable role in keeping Singapore safe and secure. To your families and employers, thank you too for your support as our PNSmen perform their duties.'
Police day also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) band. Established in 1925, it is the oldest uniformed band in Singapore, consisting of more than 60 officers.
In recognition of their achievements in 2024, the police Central Division was lauded as the Best Land Division during the ceremony.
It is the second time it has received the award, after winning it in 2018.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Wong Keng Hoe, commander of the Police Central Division, received the award from Mr Tong during the ceremony.
DAC Wong told the media in an interview on June 2 that the award was due to the efforts of his predecessors and his officers on the ground.
In 2024, the Central Division was responsible for ensuring the safety of the public during the Marina Bay Countdown 2025 and taking down scam syndicates who were trying to cheat retailers of electronic devices and jewellery.
The runners-up for the Best Land Division were Clementi Police Division and Jurong Police Division.
Tanglin Police Division was named Best NS Operationally Ready Unit, with Jurong Police Division and Woodlands Police Division achieving second and third place respectively.
The award recognises national service divisions for their management of NS men in fitness, operations and recall rates.
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