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At the inaugural Global Community Policing Conference 2024, Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development emphasised the critical role of community policing in the digital age.
The inaugural session gathered nearly 200 global law enforcement and industry leaders to discuss innovative strategies and technological advancements in community policing under the theme “Bridging Global Partners, Advancing Community Policing”.
In her opening address, Minster Xueling highlighted the critical need for trust between police and the public in today’s interconnected world. This trust is crucial for effective policing and public engagement in crime prevention, especially as community policing increasingly extends into the digital realm.
Singapore has been a pioneer in community policing since the introduction of the Neighbourhood Police Post (NPP) system in 1983 and the Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) concept in 1997. These models have been instrumental in decentralising policing efforts, bringing officers closer to the community, and fostering proactive engagement.
The NPPs, inspired by Japan’s Koban model, enabled officers to engage directly with residents, organise neighbourhood watch programmes, and address local concerns, significantly contributing to the reduction of crime rates and an enhanced sense of security.
In response to the evolving digital landscape, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has integrated technology into its community policing strategies. The SPF’s recent initiatives include the Cyber Guardians on Watch and Cyber-Crime Prevention Ambassadors programmes. Launched in May 2024, the Cyber Guardians on Watch programme has over 12,000 members who receive targeted cybercrime alerts and advisories from the police. These members play a crucial role in disseminating information within their networks, amplifying the message of cyber safety.
The Cyber-Crime Prevention Ambassadors programme focuses on raising awareness of cyber threats through community engagement and educational events. By involving volunteers across various age groups, the programme aims to educate the public on cybercrime prevention and ensure that people of all demographics can participate in safeguarding cyberspace.
The SGSecure movement, introduced in 2016, is another key initiative that leverages technology and community engagement to combat terrorism. The movement promotes three core actions: staying alert against terrorist threats, staying united during crises, and staying strong by being prepared for emergencies.
SGSecure includes educational programmes for all age groups, such as “Run, Hide, Tell” for children and advanced training in lifesaving skills like CPR and AED for adults. These efforts are supported by initiatives like the SGSecure House Visits, SGSecure Responders’ Network, and Community Response Round Tables, which engage the community in reporting suspicious activities and enhancing crisis response capabilities.
The conference underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing transnational crime and adapting community policing strategies to global challenges. Participants discussed various policing models and their application to local contexts, emphasising the need for global partnerships to effectively tackle cross-border criminal activities.
The integration of technology in policing was a major focus, with discussions on leveraging data analytics, cybersecurity measures, and digital communication tools to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
The Global Community Policing Conference 2024 demonstrated the significant role of technology in modernising community policing and highlighted the necessity of global cooperation in tackling emerging crime challenges.
By embracing technological advancements and fostering international partnerships, law enforcement agencies can build safer communities and strengthen police-public relationships worldwide.
Technological advancements and international collaboration are crucial for evolving community policing strategies, enabling law enforcement to stay adaptive and effective in a rapidly changing world. The insights and collaborations from this conference will play a crucial role in shaping the future of community policing, ensuring that it remains effective and responsive to the needs of a rapidly changing world.
