Police step up call for volunteers under new SaferSG, Together campaign

Key Concepts

• Safer SG Together: A new campaign by the police to consolidate and promote citizen volunteer programs for crime fighting and emergency preparedness.
• Citizen on Patrol (COP): A volunteer program where individuals patrol their neighborhoods to deter crime and report suspicious activity.
• Evolving Threat Landscape: The increasing and changing nature of security risks, including cybercrime, online scams, and road safety issues.
• Community Policing: The collaboration between law enforcement and the community to enhance safety and security.
• Volunteer Engagement: Efforts to recruit and retain volunteers for various safety and security initiatives.

Safer SG Together Campaign

The police are launching a new initiative called "Safer SG Together" to bolster their efforts in fighting crime and preparing for emergencies. This campaign aims to consolidate various existing citizen volunteer programs under one umbrella, making it more accessible and understandable for the public to participate. The primary goal is to encourage more individuals to step forward and contribute to the nation's safety.

Citizen on Patrol (COP) Program

The transcript highlights the role of the Citizen on Patrol (COP) program, exemplified by Matthew Wii, a 47-year-old volunteer who has been active for six years. COP volunteers conduct monthly neighborhood patrols, observing for suspicious activities. Wii believes their presence acts as a deterrent. He shared an anecdote where a resident approached his COP team about individuals sleeping on a boy deck, causing her concern. The COP team alerted the police, and upon their arrival, the individuals had left, relieving the resident who felt heard and acted upon. COP volunteers also disseminate crime prevention advice, including tips on avoiding scams.

Decline in Volunteer Numbers and the Need for Recruitment

Despite the valuable contributions of programs like COP, there has been a noticeable decline in volunteer numbers. COP numbers have fallen from approximately 7,000 to around 5,000 over the past two years. A similar slight decline has been observed in other volunteer roles. The "Safer SG Together" movement is a direct response to this trend, aiming to reverse it by increasing recruitment.

Addressing Misconceptions and Broadening Participation

A key objective of "Safer SG Together" is to address common misperceptions about volunteering, such as the belief that it requires a significant time commitment or high physical demands. The campaign emphasizes that "anyone and everyone can step forward" and that individuals can choose roles based on their personal circumstances and interests. The program aims to make it easier for the community to understand available opportunities and how they can partner with the police.

Diverse Volunteer Roles

The campaign promotes a wide array of volunteer opportunities beyond traditional patrols. These include roles such as:

• Cybercrime trainers
• Creators of anti-crime social media content
• Patrol participants

These diverse roles underscore the collective effort required from all segments of society to maintain national security.

The Evolving Threat Landscape

The transcript emphasizes the dynamic and ever-changing nature of security threats. The police are facing and anticipate facing an "increasingly ever evolving threat landscape with new challenges constantly emerging on the horizon." Specific emerging threats mentioned include:

• The rise of cybercrime and online scams
• Shifting road user behaviors
• New security threats

Collaborative Efforts and Partnerships

In response to these evolving threats, various organizations are also stepping up their security measures and collaborating with the police:

• Banks: Are pushing out crime prevention alerts to their staff and customers.
• National Library Board (NLB): Holds sessions where police can educate children on safety.
• Guarders by the Bay: Works with the police on joint patrols and threat detection systems.

These collaborations are crucial for guarding against scams, crimes, and broader security threats.

Future Engagement and Awareness

To further raise awareness and encourage participation in "Safer SG Together," the police plan to conduct seven islandwide engagements in the upcoming year.

Conclusion

The "Safer SG Together" campaign represents a strategic effort by the Singapore Police Force to revitalize community involvement in safety and security. By consolidating existing programs, addressing volunteer recruitment challenges, and highlighting the diverse roles available, the police aim to foster a more engaged and resilient society capable of confronting the evolving landscape of crime and security threats. The emphasis on accessibility and the broad spectrum of volunteer opportunities are central to its success.