Implementation of Community Policing System

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) if he can expedite the implementation of the Community Policing System for the whole of Singapore; (b) what proportion of HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks will be covered in the programme; and (c) when will the system be implemented in Yishun and Sembawang housing estates.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Commencing May this year, the Police has been implementing the Community Policing System (COPS) progressively across different parts of Singapore. While I can understand the Member's desire for implementation to be expedited, let me explain why we need as many as three to five years for the full rollout.

First, as part of COPS, Police will be increasing its manpower by 450 new posts. We should not rush the recruitment and training of such a significant number of police officers. Otherwise, the quality of recruitment could be compromised.

Second, a phased rollout will allow Police to methodically plan and deploy the resources needed for the new Crime Strike Force and other key components of the reorganised Neighbourhood Police Centres (NPCs). It will also allow Police to progressively build upon lessons learnt in the earlier phases of implementation.

Third, the installation of Police Cameras is a large-scale initiative that will cover all 10,000 blocks and multi-storey car parks in HDB estates. The installation of such a large number of police cameras across diverse HDB precincts will also take time.

Police have already installed Police Cameras in about 300 blocks in the pilot phase of this initiative. Cameras will be installed in another 700 HDB blocks island-wide between the fourth quarter of this year and the end of next year.

All Town Councils, including the Sembawang – Nee Soon Town Council, will have some blocks installed with Police Cameras by the end of next year. In identifying specific locations to deploy the Police Cameras, Police will consider their operational needs and also take into account inputs from the Town Councils. The same basis will be adopted for the deployment of subsequent batches of Police Cameras.

Page: 438