Global Community Policing Conference 2024 – “Bridging Global Partners, Advancing Community Policing”

Close to 200 foreign and local participants from police forces around the world, local government agencies, industry leaders as well as local stakeholders, attended the opening ceremony of the inaugural Global Community Policing Conference 2024 (GCPC 2024), which will run from 21 to 23 August 2024. The conference, themed "Bridging Global Partners, Advancing Community Policing", aims to share best practices in community policing, discuss community engagement strategies and forge stronger cooperation amongst foreign law enforcement agencies. It comprises sharing by both overseas and local guest speakers, and panel discussions on topics related to community policing and partnerships, such as how we leverage volunteers in policing and mobilise the community in the fight against terrorism. On the final day of the conference, participants will also get to witness an exercise which showcases the coordination of SPF, Singapore Civil Defence Force and community stakeholders in response to a simulated terror attack, codenamed "Exercise Heartbeat".

At the opening ceremony of the GCPC 2024 held today (21 Aug) at Amara Hotel, Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State (MOS), Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development, who was the Guest-of-Honour for the event, emphasised the critical importance of strong relationships and trust between the police and the public for effective policing in today's interconnected world, and the need for police forces to adapt by extending community policing efforts in the online space.

In her opening address, MOS Sun also shared how volunteering opportunities such as the Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) scheme has been a vital component of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in maintaining the law and order in Singapore.

Bridging Global Partners, Advancing Community Policing

Community policing has been an integral part of Singapore's policing approach since it was introduced in 1983. In 1997, the Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) concept was introduced. The NPC concept provided a platform for our officers to enhance police presence and foster stronger partnerships with the community. This is a key success factor, as community policing in Singapore has always been about emphasising the proactive engagement with residents, businesses, and community organisations to address local concerns and prevent crime. The emphasis on community policing has helped the SPF achieve a high level of public trust and fostered a strong sense of safety and security among residents. According to the Gallup Global Law and Order 2022 report, which measures the public's sense of personal security and their experiences with crime and law enforcement, Singapore topped the rankings with a score of 96 out of 100. The report found that 93% of respondents expressed confidence in the SPF, while 95% of the respondents felt safe walking alone at night in their area.

However, as crimes becoming increasingly transnational, we must not take our safety and security for granted. The SPF needs to continue cooperating with global partners and proactively share strategies to combat cross-border criminal activities effectively. By bringing together law enforcement professionals from diverse backgrounds, this conference hopes to foster a rich exchange of ideas and create partnerships that go beyond national borders. The SPF will continue to work closely with foreign law enforcement counterparts and local stakeholders to collectively address common challenges, build safer communities and establish stronger police-public relationships worldwide.

MOS Sun Xueling delivering the opening address at GCPC 2024 ▼

Group photo of MOS Sun Xueling, DC Lian Ghim Hua, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), AC Sherrin Chua, Director, Community Partnership Department, and representatives from foreign police forces ▼

MOS Sun Xueling interacting with representatives from foreign police forces ▼