The
mission
of the
Traffic
Police
is to
maintain
law
and order
on the
roads
of Singapore
and
promote
road traffic
safety
by influencing
the behaviour
and skills
of roads
users.
The
Traffic
Police
(TP)is
a specialist
staff
department
of the
Singapore
Police
Force
(SPF),
made up
of the
7 following
branches:
The Research and Planning Branch is the "Think Tank" of TP where critical policies are conceptualised, researched, deliberated and executed. The Branch provides the strategic direction for traffic policies, working with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Police Headquarters and other agencies to co-ordinate the formulation and execution of policies.
The
Operations
and Training
Branch
is responsible
for the
planning
and execution
of all
traffic
operations
and training
initiatives
in TP.
A major
part of
the planning
is focused
on traffic
management
and operations
on a day-to-day
basis
as well
as for
major
events,
exercises
and incidences.
The branch
provides
their
traffic
management
expertise
to event
organisers
to facilitate
the smooth
flow of
traffic
and ensure
orderliness
on the
roads.
Apart
from operations,
the branch
is also
involved
in planning
and meeting
the training
needs
of officers
of TP.
TheInvestigation and Reports Branchcarries out investigation on road traffic accidents involving death and injury accidents, as well as serious violations. The branch is also supported by an investigation support team which looks into processing of violation reports. The Warrant Unit (enforcing warrants of arrest) and the Camera Unit (in charge of red light surveillance and radar speed cameras) is also under the purview of the branch.
The
Patrol
Unit
with 4
core patrol
teams
and 1
special
team (Task
Force)
plays
a vital
role in
day-to-day
enforcement
of traffic
rules
and regulations,
the conduct
of special
operations
and the
provision
of outrider
escorts.
The
Testing
and Licensing
Branch,
together
with the
four Test
Centres,
sets training
standards
for the
Driving
Centres
and private
instructors.
It is
also responsible
for the
administration
of theory
and practical
tests,
and issue
of driving
licenses
for the
motoring
public.
The Road Safety Branch plays a specific role in road safety. Their strategic role is to initiate road safety campaigns that will psychologically influence the public to embrace road safety, create platforms and opportunities for community involvement as well as partnership in the area of road safety.
We talk to Traffic Police Officer Alvin Teo, who is from the Investigation and Reports Branch.
Alvin, what are your job responsibilities as a Police Officer?
Police
Officers are
expected to
and do perform
a variety of
tasks and duties.
In my previous
posting as a
patrol officer,
I conduct patrols
to ensure that
the law is observed
and order is
maintained.
This involves
the apprehension
of suspected
criminals as
well as those
who exercise
disregard of
the law.In
In my
current posting
as an Investigation
Officer, my
primary role
is to conduct
investigations
into the various
cases and incidents
that come under
my purview.
My job is to
follow a case
through to completion
and ensure that
no stone is
left unturned
in the course
of investigation.
"The objectives of seeking the truth and getting to the bottom of a case are always uppermost on my mind."
What do you like best about your job?
As a police officer, I am given the opportunity to contribute to the community and make a difference to people's lives. While the same may be achieved through other avenues, in my capacity as a police officer, I believe I have the ability to do that at a deeper level. The sense of fulfillment derived from knowing that I've made a positive impact on the community that I serve, cannot be described by words alone.
To put it simply, if you have ever seen someone smile because something you did had made a positive difference in their lives, you will know what I'm talking about. In short, being able to contribute and serve the community is what I like best and treasure about my job.
What motivated you to join the Police?
To say that the security
of the country cannot
be taken for granted
would be an understatement.
But to me, just by
knowing and saying
it serves little purpose.
In the current security
climate, everyone
must pitch in through
any means that they
can.
After all, we're talking about the security of our country, family and loved ones. What better way than to be directly involved in the process? And the icing on the cake is that the SPF offers a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity to do just that!
A
career in the SPF
means more than just
a job. It reflects
a person's commitment
to the community.
This is what motivated
me to join the SPF.
What are some of your highlights working as a Police Officer?
As a member of the Special Operations Team in Traffic Police, I had the honour of participating in VVIP motorcade escorts for dignitaries such as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh as well as US President George W Bush.
I was also given opportunities to engage the community at various levels through a multitude of events such as the IISS, S2006 and ASEAN Summit Meetings.
TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING
Always indicate your intention in advance
- Such as when turning or switching lanes.
Always maintain a safe following distance
- Be ready to stop your vehicle in time should the need arises.
Be patient
- Keep a lookout for children and the elderly, who may dash across the road. Always give way to pedestrians at the pedestrian crossings.
Do not speed
- Excessive speeding is one of the common causes of traffic accidents.
Obey traffic rules and regulations at all times.
Courtesy of Traffic Police
What challenges do you face in your job?
With the increasing sophistication and complexity of the public, the SPF has continuously improved and re-invigorated itself in tandem.
Looking at the array of issues that the SPF engages the public on, securing and maintaining the trust of the public is crucial.
In the course of my work, I ensure that I uphold the trust placed in me by the public as well as the organisation.
In the same vein, managing the expectations of our 'customers' poses a challenge at times because not every request can be fulfilled. In such instances, I try my best to explain the situation and the reasons why certain things may not be done the way they expected.
What are your goals for the future?
One can never stop learning and improving. Only by continuous self-improvement can one keep abreast of developments and changes. My personal goal is to remain enthusiastic, keep on learning and upgrading myself, so that I can remain relevant and contribute what I've learnt to the organisation and the community.
