EMBRACING CHANGE
To Maintain the Edge
in Investigation

by Mr Mark Low Jian Neng

Investigation is one of the fundamental building blocks of the Singapore Police Force
(SPF). As the primary custodian of homeland security, SPF relies on an efficacious
and expeditious investigative process to hunt down criminals and bring them to
justice. The global threat of terrorism, the proliferation of the internet, the increasingly
transnational nature of crimes, and the progressive sophistication of criminals have
added a new dimension to the way investigations are conducted. To keep up with the
evolving operational terrain so as to remain at the cutting edge of investigation, SPF has successfully enhanced its forensic and investigative capabilities.

Building Post-blast Investigation Capabilities

The 9/11 attack, and the subsequent bombings in Bali, Madrid and London have brought the threat posed by global organised terrorist networks to the centre stage. Against this backdrop of emerging terrorist threats, it was imperative that SPF developed its Post-Blast Investigation (PBI) capabilities. The Bomb and Explosive Investigation Division (BEID) was thus established in December 2004 and officially launched in November 2005. Since then, BEID has been learning from its established foreign counterparts to further develop its expertise in investigative, operational and forensic capabilities. It has also hosted numerous visits by its local and foreign strategic partners. With the full operationalisation of BEID in July 2007, SPF looks set to handle the challenges of PBI.

Leveraging on Computer Forensics

With the advent of the digital age, the use of digital technology and high-speed Internet connection in our daily lives have become widespread. Wireless@SG, a recent initiative undertaken by the government to turn Singapore into a single huge Wi-Fi hotspot in which residents and tourists would be able to access the Internet via wireless broadband network connections at several locations throughout the island, posed a new challenge to crime-fighting and investigation. While consumers and businesses relish the opportunities offered, another group of opportunists – a new breed of tech-savvy criminals have acquainted themselves with the latest IT devices and will try to exploit the loopholes in Singapore’s legal and investigative frameworks to commit crimes.

The Computer Crime Branch was established in 1996 to specifically handle technology-related crimes. It was subsequently re-organised into the Technology Crime Division (TCD) in 2001 and consists of the Technology Crime Investigation Branch (TCIB), the Technology Crime Forensic Branch (TCFB) and the Technology Crime Research Branch (TCRB). Since its inception, TCIB has successfully investigated and prosecuted a number of offenders under the Computer Misuse Act (CMA) for offences such as hacking, Wi-Fi smooching, Internet fraud, unlicensed online distribution of intellectual property and posting of fallacious and seditious comments. TCFB’s expertise in computer forensics has also brought about stronger evidence for prosecution.

Utilising DNA Technology

The advances in DNA technology in recent years have enabled law enforcement officers to solve cases which were previously unsolvable. Investigators are now able to obtain a new and key source of information through DNA analysis. The Registration of Criminals Act allows for the taking of DNA samples from arrested persons convicted of registrable crimes. SPF has also set up its own DNA database in 2003 to store the DNA samples obtained.

DNA analysis and matching have become indispensable tools in investigation for SPF. SPF has used DNA analysis successfully in the identification of victims and the solving of major crimes such as the Kallang Body Parts Murder, and the murders of Huang Na and Nonoi.

Enhancing Disaster Victim Identification Capabilities

SPF has made headway in its Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) capabilities in recent years. A Singapore DVI Team was sent to assist in the Thailand Tsunami Victim Identification mission as part of an international DVI effort in December 2004. Since then, the SPF DVI Team has participated in numerous local exercises. SPF has actively leveraged on technology to stay ahead in the DVI field by acquiring the licensing rights in November 2006 to use Plassdata, a computer programme that links the Interpol ante-mortem and post-mortem forms electronically.

Forensics, together with
interview and intelligence,
make up the three key pillars
of investigation.

Upgrading of Investigation Skills

In an era of globalisation and technological advancement, it is of utmost importance that police officers continue upgrading their skills. The School of Criminal Investigation (SCI) constantly conducts investigation training for Investigation Officers (IO) from the land divisions and CID. Depending on training requirements, courses ranging from honing interview techniques to critical analysis of post-blast scenes are conducted to equip officers with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to perform their duties. To enhance cooperation with external agencies, local and foreign partners are also frequently invited to attend training courses. Similarly, SPF officers regularly visit foreign law enforcement agencies on overseas study visits to glean the best practices.

For three days in November 2006, SPF was privileged to have renowned international forensic examiner, Dr. Henry C. Lee, who is the Chief Emeritus of the Connecticut State Police, in Singapore to conduct a workshop on the management and reconstruction of gunshot scenes. During the course, officers were taught the finer aspects of firearms ballistics and crime scene management, including the forensics behind gunshot residue, ricochet and trace evidence as well as blood spatter patterns. The course culminated in a practical reconstruction exercise held at Mandai Camp. Participating officers found the expertise gained in the course to be of great value in routine identification, recovery and preservation of physical exhibits, forensic evaluation of physical exhibits, and determination of the sequence of events through reconstruction of the crime scene.

Challenges Ahead

Forensics, together with interview and intelligence, make up the three key pillars of investigation. With the ever-changing operating environment, these pillars need to be reinforced to ensure that they can withstand threats aimed at undermining them and crippling the investigation process. SPF will strive to enhance its investigative and technical capabilities to uphold the integrity of law and to ensure that Singapore remains safe and secure.