Recognition for achievers as nation celebrates 75 years of women in policing

Women hold 20% of SPF’s senior leadership positions; female regulars number about 1,800

- Gabrielle Chan

Assistant Commissioner Serene Chiu's decision to leave her job as an accountant to join the police force after years of being in a school uniformed group and watching countless episodes of police dramas on TV - could seem like it was destined.

It has been 25 years since, and she has never looked back.

AC Chiu now serves as the commander of Clementi Police Division, and is one of about 1,800 female regulars in the police force.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) on April 13 marked 75 years of women in policing with an event to honour the achievements and contributions of female police officers in Singapore.

Women now hold 20 per cent of senior leadership positions in SPF, said Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo, who was speaking at the event at Star Vista about the progress of women in the force.

"Our women officers have also established themselves in various specialist vocations which had traditionally been male-dominated," said Mrs Teo, who is also the Second Minister for Home Affairs.

There are now three women officers in the elite Special Task Squadron of the Police Coast Guard who perform high-risk operations alongside their male colleagues, she added. These include highspeed interception of smugglers, and search and rescue operations on the high seas.