Teo Chun Ching

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Teo Chun Ching (Zhang Junqing) is an ex-NPCC cadet and cadet inspector of Dunman High School (1987-92). Chun Ching was awarded with Singapore Police Force (SPF) Overseas Scholarship in 1993 to study Engineering Science at Oxford University.

Chun Ching has been a victim of many crimes. When he was overseas, that is. He and his companions have had their pockets picked in Russia, Rome and Egypt, his bicycle stolen, and his house in England broken into.

His encounters with crime and crime-busters overseas have convinced him that the sense of safety in Singapore is extremely valuable and often taken for granted.

Chun Ching explained how the Singapore Police works: "We have a multi-prong approach. We are harsh on crime and have strict laws but at the same time, the police work closely with the community thru community policing. We want to be approachable and in touch with the people and their problems."

Dealing directly with the public and solving their problems was one of the reasons Chun Ching accepted the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Overseas Scholarship in 1993. He said: "At 18, I was after excitement and adventure. I didn't want a desk-bound job. I wanted to contribute to society, and with the police, you see the results of your work."

Chun Ching, 30, with background in Engineering Science that seemed miles apart from police work, but he finds a parallel between the two. He said: "You are given a problem and you have certain constraints, limited resources and a process of analysis to work out the best solution - that is similar to police work, especially in operations where you're dealing crimes and resources."

Looking back, he is glad he had the chance to study overseas. It was in Oxford that he met his wife with whom they have a son and a daughter. He has the following advice for new scholars: "Learn as much as you can, meet as many people as possible and travel widely. You'll have no time to rest once you start work."

Currently holding the post of Deputy Commander, Jurong Police Division, Chun Ching is pleased to return to the frontline after a fruitful stint in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) HQ. He has this to say about his current role: “Being a division Deputy Commander is wonderful opportunity for learning and contributing. There is a total of 1000 officers in Jurong Police Division and it is invigorating to lead such a big group of people. The responsibilities are immense and I am humbled by the trust placed in me. My experience so far has been most varied and enriching. In a short span of 3 months, I have had to work at managing the Human Resource elements, revamping the audits and inspection system, improving the various service programmes, reviewing the operations processes at the land checkpoints to enhance border security, etc. There certainly has not been a dull day so far.”

Prior to Jurong Police Division, Chun Ching spent two years at MHA in two different postings of one year each. He started off as the Senior Assistant Director, Joint Operations Management, where his role was to provide strategic operational guidance from Ministry HQ to Home Team departments in the execution of their operations and national issues. In doing so, he interacts with senior management including Minister and Permanent Secretary. As such, he is exposed to policy making at the highest levels. “It is exhilarating to be involved in such high-level discussion and policy decisions. I have certainly benefited hugely with a better understanding of the issues facing our nation,” he exclaimed. Subsequently with the emphasis on security and counter-terrorism, Chun Ching was transferred to the newly set-up Homefront Security Office, where he dealt with non-conventional threats such as chemical, biological and radiological terrorism. He also participated in the Ministry’s efforts in dealing with SARS and Avian Flu.

Before MHA, Chun Ching was Head Operations and Training at Tanglin Police Division from April 2000 to Jul 2002 and found that was his most intense job to date. During his tenure he had to deal with the aftermath of the Sep 11 attack because most embassies and foreign establishments are located in his division which covers the Orchard Road and Bukit Timah area. Furthermore there were high-level ministerial conferences held in the division too. The General Elections also took place then. He has this to say about his experience there: ”It was very tough. There were countless security operations to handle and yet we could not neglect our more routine duties to fight against crime and maintain law and order in a very busy division. A lot of sacrifices were made by all the officers at Tanglin.”

This was quite different from his first posting as an Investigation Officer at Central Police Station at Beach Road in 1998. There he dealt with criminal and non-criminal cases like suicide, spouse and maid abuse. While it was exciting to deal with criminal cases, DSP Teo found the latter more difficult. The police are the first people that are contacted in times of trouble. "It was a stressful time because you're dealing with people with problems. Often there are emotions involved. We try to get social agencies to help, but some of these cases happen in the middle of the night so we have to play counsellor as well," elaborated Chun Ching on this eye-opening experience.

In 1999, he was posted to Planning and Organisation at the Police Headquarters. His job was conceptual in nature and dealt with corporate planning for the Force. This was a desk-bound job that he did not mind. "It was a very stimulating time. We looked at the challenges facing Singapore, like the foreign population and the Internet, and devised strategies to deal with them. Often, we engaged in discussions with top management," he said.

"Those who think that Police is a rank-conscious, spit-and-polish organisation working mindlessly to catch thieves will be in for a shock. Everyone is expected to be a thinking officer and everyone's contributions is valued," he added.

Chun Ching cherishes his life in the Police. He said: "I am who I am because of my experience as a Police officer. No other career can do the same for me."

Teo Chun Ching
Deputy Commander
Jurong Police Division
2004 to 2005
(Currently on study leave pursuing MBA in INSEAD wef 9 Jan 2006)

Source: http://www.spf.gov.sg/career/lead/atwork/commanders_chunching.htm

Singapore Police Force Career Website