Police Custodial Department
By DSP Paul Tay Koh Hui

SPF’s Vigilant Guardians
The Police Custodial Department continues to ensure that officers remain vigilant, stringent procedures are adhered to and the infrastructural security of its facilities is robust.

On-Site Medical Services to Persons-in-Custody

PCD conducted two operational trials involving six land divisions to validate the new practice of giving medical treatment to Persons-in-Custody (PIC) in lock-up. This is different from the traditional practice of sending PICs to hospital for treatment. However, these new practices would only be applicable to non-emergency situations.

PICs with urgent medical conditions such as heart attacks or serious fractures would be escorted to the nearest hospital by ambulance for immediate attention.

The benefits of such an initiative include enhanced security of PICs as their exposure to unsecured environments like hospitals would be minimised, and reduced demands for police resources with fewer trips to and back from the hospitals.

With the success of these trials, the divisions gave their unanimous support for the initiative. The positive feedback led us to seek approval from SPF management to implement the initiative force-wide.

Responding to the Manpower Crunch

To alleviate the shortage of manpower and free up resources, we embarked on a feasibility study that focused on outsourcing custodial functions such as escorts, ward duty and selected lock-up duty posts. With the cost-benefit ratio in mind, we decided on implementation in phases, starting with the civilianisation of selected lock-up duty posts. Once all cost-effective considerations have been assessed, other measures will be implemented.

F.O.C.U.S (Frontline Officers’ Computerised System) Phase II

The PIC Engineering Masterplan (EMP) recommended the implementation of an interlinked custodial management system across the Home Team. PCD responded by putting in place plans to create a PIC module within the FOCUS framework. The objective of FOCUS Phase II was to provide a comprehensive PIC management system to streamline work processes from the PIC’s admission to his eventual discharge from custody. It would also effectively address the shortcomings of the current Charge Office Management System (COMS), which has limited functionality.

To ensure that the Specific Operational Requirements (SOR) of the system could meet end users’ needs, we conducted extensive focus group discussions with PIC officers from all land divisions. To expedite the project implementation, we sought and are awaiting approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to proceed with the project.

Key Improvements in FY 2008

In the light of Mas Selamat Kastari’s escape, it is important for PCD to continue working with the line units to ensure the maximum security of PIC facilities.

People Power

PCD will continue to engage the community-at-large by identifying three possible posts for civilianisation – Bail/ Bond Officer, Criminal Records Officer, and Property Officer. With inputs from the land divisions, Operations Department and Manpower Department, the feasibility of such a move and its operational impact will be properly assessed. The consolidated findings will be reviewed for implementation as part of a force-wide civilianisation initiative.

Standardised PIC Templates in Charge Office Management System

To enhance the efficiency of the PIC work processes, we will be working with the Police Technology Department to incorporate commonly used PIC management reporting templates in Charge Office Management System (COMS) so that inefficiencies such as multiple data entries are eliminated.

Advanced PIC Management Courses

To upgrade the capabilities and skill sets of PIC officers, we will be working with TRACOM and Prisons to develop advanced PIC Management Courses for both PIC officers and supervisors.