PSSA 2003 - Public Sector Award Winner

Singapore Police Force

Guardians and protectors of Singapore, the Singapore Police Force's (SPF) strong presence in the community has put it in good stead to nurture and care for the less fortunate.

The formation of the SPF Committee on Societal Responsibility in 2001 consolidated the community efforts of the force, bringing together staff from the various departments and divisions to participate in voluntary and fund-raising activities.

Over the last three years, the committee focused its efforts on children and youth. In 2001, SPF organised a 5-a-side soccer tournament to encourage interaction among its employees, staff of voluntary welfare organisations and disadvantaged children. The force also facilitated soccer coaching programmes for both boys and girls in 2002.

To encourage greater involvement in volunteering, SPF's Public Affairs Department initiated a Staff Unit Guidance (SUG) in 2002. Under the SUG, each department or division organises and/or participates in two volunteering activities each year.

Beyond Singapore, the force is also active in reaching out to the less fortunate. In 2002, officers in the UN peacekeeping force in East Timor helped to rebuild orphanages. An exercise was held in Singapore to collect books, clothes, stationery and other items for the children.

The annual Police Week from 2000 to 2003 has raised almost $1 million for charity, through activities involving mass participation such as the Police Week Carnival, the Police Charity Concert in 2002 and the three-sport Charity Challenge this year. In addition, SPF is a dedicated supporter of the Community Chest's SHARE monthly contribution programme, consistently contributing about $300,000 annually.

With strength in numbers and hearts of commitment, the SPF is truly a force to be reckoned with in community involvement.

Other PSSA 2003 winners: