Be A Guardian spotlights exciting career, scholarship and sponsorship opportunities in the Home Team.

Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Nalinee Chua’s passion for Policing is matched only by her commitment to learning. Having received a Home Team Diploma Sponsorship in 2012, she completed a series of ground appointments with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) before enrolling for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Programme in Criminology and Security offered by the Singapore Institute of Technology and the University of Liverpool. Now in in her third year of studies, SSGT Nalinee explains how she hopes to put her newfound knowledge and skills to use as a Police officer. 
 

How did you decide to be a Police officer?
I was in my third year of studies at Nanyang Polytechnic when I happened to see an online advertisement for the Home Team Diploma Sponsorship. The work of crime-fighting and Policing really intrigued me, and this led me to apply for and join the SPF in 2012.

My first posting was as a Ground Response Force officer at Bukit Batok Neighbourhood Police Centre. After that, I served as a Neighbourhood Investigation Officer (NIO) with the Crime Strike Force before enrolling for my Criminology and Security studies in 2016. 

As an NIO, I investigated criminal cases within my jurisdiction, such as shop theft or missing persons. My daily work involved identifying suspects, building cases and apprehending offenders, as well as following up with complainants to provide assurance and updates.

I enjoyed my posting as an NIO. It gave me a great sense of achievement and satisfaction when all the pieces of a case fell into place and we saw how our work provided relief to victims of crime. 

My experiences as an NIO also helped me grow as a person – by always doing things with heart, and achieving success as a team. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie within the Crime Strike Force and I knew that I could always rely on my fellow officers!



Now that you're studying, it must be different from crime-fighting. Tell us about your experiences as a student. 
I didn’t score well for my very first assignment, so I took it upon myself to devote even more time and attention to my studies. That’s how I was able to receive the Book Prize in my first year. 

Another highlight was the Overseas Immersion Programme that we attended at the University of Liverpool, which included lectures, seminars and visits to various criminal justice institutions. It was an eye-opening experience for me to live and study abroad for a month. We had the chance to visit the Merseyside Police and speak to officers about their experiences and the types of equipment they use, such as handcuffs and pepper spray. Many patrol officers there don’t carry lethal weapons, and this made me realise how history, societal expectations and culture play a role in the development of a Police service.

What do you hope to do after completing your studies in 2019 and returning to active service?
Being a Police officer means taking on the responsibility of building up the confidence and trust that the public has in us. I hope to be a more effective officer, one who can make a greater difference in the lives of those I come into contact with, whether they’re my fellow officers, victims of crime or suspects.

What advice do you have for those considering a career in the Home Team?
The diversity of Police work is what makes it challenging, but also rewarding. If you’re willing to fulfil your responsibilities with all your heart, why not take up this challenge?

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Be A Guardian
Turning the spotlight on exciting career, scholarship and sponsorship opportunities in the Home Team: 
Be A Guardian: Serving with Heart (SPF)
Be A Guardian: A Calling to Serve (SPS) 
Be A Guardian: In the Heart of the Action (SCDF)
Be A Guardian: An Eye for Investigations (CNB)
Be A Guardian: One Job, Many Facets (CNB)
Be A Guardian: Making an Impact Where It Counts (SPF)
Be A Guardian: Pushing Herself to Her Limit (SPF)
Be A Guardian: Having a Heart for Those in Need (SCDF)
Be A Guardian: Guiding Inmates onto the Right Path (SPS)
Be A Guardian: Ever Vigilant (ICA)
Be A Guardian: Turning Helplessness to Hope (SPF)
Be A Guardian: Engineering a Fresh Start (MHA)
Be A Guardian: One with the Community (SPF)
Be A Guardian: Empowering Inmates on Their Rehabilitation Journey (SPS)

A Career in the Home Team
If you’re keen to learn more about becoming a Home Team Guardian, visit the MHA website.