Lack of resources by Singapore Police to tackle increase in foreign workers

By Tiffany Gwee

According to Commission of Police Mr. Ng Joo Hee in Tuesday's Committee of Inquiry (COI) hearing, the Police lack the resources to tackle the increase in population and the potential increase in crime that might result from it.

During the hearing today, COI Chairman, Justice GP Selvam emphasised the importance of addressing the issue regarding the rising numbers of foreign workers and its potential problems that tag along with it. He mentioned that having 'large crowds of foreign workers' might end up in a 'clash' of interests that might 'escalate' into something more serious.

'This is what we are worried about,' Justice Selvam mentioned earlier today.

While Mr. Ng said that he understood Justice Selvam's concerns and worrries, he lament the fact that there simply is 'not enough resources' to help the Police Force tackle the ongoing challenges at hand. 'To have a truly visible police presence, we will require 100-150 police officers in each locality. We do not have these numbers.'

Low Police to Citizens Ratio

There are currently 8784 regular police officers and 3688 National Service Full-Time Policemen (PNSF) in Singapore. Statistically then, it is 1 police for every 614 citizens - an extremely low ratio compared to other cities and countries.

Mr. Ng gave the example of Hong Kong which has 28,261 police officers while having a population of 7.1 million residents , this gives a ratio of 1 police attending to 252 citizens living there. He also added how in other cities such as London, there is '2 to 3 times more police per resident compared to Singapore'.

In another example, Mr. Ng mentioned the vicinity of Bedok - where approximately a million reside - and how there are only 1000 police officers in that area. After factoring in the shifts and work timings, the ratio becomes 1 policeman to every 4000 citizens.

Low Growth but still Efficient

Given that the population had increased by 58% in the past years, the rise in the number of Police Officers (16%) is definitely not fast enough to cope with the population growth.

Despite the small number of Police Officers here in Singapore, Mr. Ng commended the efficiency of the Police. 'We still deliver outcomes that are the envy of the world.'

This comment was met with much agreement by the COI who then praised the Singapore Police to be first class police force in the world.

However, Mr Ng warned against citizens, visitors and residents taking the 'safety and security for granted' thinking that it is the 'natural state of affairs'.