MHA COS 2022: Enabling Home Team Transformation Through Technology

GRAPHIC: Home Team News

At the Committee of Supply (COS) Debate in Parliament on 3 March, Second Minister for Home Affairs Mrs Josephine Teo shared about the Home Team’s transformation efforts through technology. Here are three highlights from her speech.

1. Technology Enhances Our Operational Effectiveness
Singapore Police Force (SPF): The SPF Cameras Network has effectively safeguarded the community from threats by solving more than 6,000 cases. Reports of crimes such as unlicensed moneylending have decreased by 94% from 2013 to 2021, between January to June, at approximately 2,100 HDB blocks installed with cameras. SPF will expand its camera network to more than 200,000 cameras by 2030 to continue safeguard our public housing estates and improve our response against crimes and security threats.

Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF): SCDF will implement a real-time 24/7 Nationwide Hazardous Materials Sensor Grid to enable the early detection of hazardous materials. With earlier detection, SCDF will be able to quickly dispatch resources to investigate and manage the situation.

SCDF’s frontliners will also be equipped with smart devices – such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches – so that they can respond better in emergencies. One example of technology being applied in this way is the Operational Medical Networks Informatics Integrator (OMNII), which was jointly developed by SCDF and the Ministry of Health. Launched in 2021, OMNII allows paramedics to quickly share information with hospitals so that patients can receive timely assistance upon arrival.

GRAPHIC: MHA

2. Technology Makes Processes More Efficient and Seamless for the Public
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA): This year, ICA will make available more digital documents. Members of the public will soon be able to apply for and access documents digitally, such as birth and death certificates, and long-term visit passes and student’s passes. These digital documents can be securely and conveniently retrieved on mobile devices through the MyICA mobile app. More e-services, such as the application of identity cards, passports, and extension of visit pass, will also be made available on this app.

Singapore Prison Service (SPS): Since 2020, SPS has been using videoconferencing for its rehabilitation programmes. Through virtual family programmes, inmates were able to connect with their children during the pandemic. SPS also partnered with Yellow Ribbon Singapore to facilitate virtual job interviews, allowing inmates to continue to access employment assistance.

Tablets have also been used to facilitate inmates’ rehabilitation with self-directed learning and engagement. Inmates connect to their family and friends through e-letters and keep up with the news. This sense of connection with their loved ones and society is essential to their rehabilitation process.

3. Digital Upskilling of Officers
The Home Team is also using technology to train officers to tackle cybercrime via a two-pronged approach. First, it equips officers with tools to detect and provide intelligence on cybercrime activities. For instance, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency developed an E-Commerce Surveillance Tool to help enforcement officers sift through online listings of contrabands. Second, the Home Team trains and keeps officers updated on the latest cybercrime trends. For example, SPF works with private sector organisations to train officers on technology features and technical skills to combat cybercrime.

MHA Committee of Supply (COS) Debate 2022
Read the COS 2022 speech delivered by Second Minister Josephine Teo. For more info on MHA COS 2022, visit the MHA COS 2022 webpage.