CID gets new chief

Everything will be all right despite the pressure to solve crime cases quickly.

Outgoing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DC) Hoong Wee Teck, gave this assurance to his subordinates and his successor, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Tan Chye Hee, yesterday.

DC Hoong, known for his empathetic style of leadership, said at a change-of-command ceremony at Cantonment Police Complex: "To all CID officers, 'Mai kia, bo tai chi' (Hokkien for 'Don't be afraid, there's no problem'). Chye Hee will look after you."

DC Hoong, 51, vouched for his successor, describing SAC Tan as a dedicated and capable officer with foresight and integrity.

Turning to SAC Tan, 41, who was seated in the front row next to Commissioner of Police Ng Joo Hee, DC Hoong added: "To Chye Hee, 'Mai kia, bo tai chi'.

"You are taking over a fabulous unit. I know CID officers will continue to give their best to support you and the organisation."

SAC Tan was awarded the Singapore Police Force Overseas Scholarship in 1992. He read engineering science at Oxford University and graduated with a master's degree in 1996.

HONOURED

Said SAC Tan: "I'm honoured to be appointed as Director CID and to be given the opportunity to work with the men and women of CID to keep Singapore safe."

He previously held key appointments such as Deputy Director of CID and Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division.

Like his predecessor, who will be appointed Commissioner of Police from Jan 6 next year, SAC Tan also served in the intelligence field. His last appointment was as Director of the Police Intelligence Department.

SAC Tan said he intends to "synergise the two key areas of investigation and intelligence" to make the police force a formidable unit against today's criminals. His priority will be attracting "good people" to join the investigation fraternity.

Added SAC Tan: "The investigation fraternity will face new investigative demands arising from challenges such as cyber-crimes and highly complex transnational organised crimes.

"We need to continue with our efforts to deepen the competencies of investigators to such combat."

Meanwhile, DC Hoong thanked his former CID colleagues and other local and foreign law enforcement agencies who had worked with him since he started helming CID in 2011.

zaihan@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Nov 20, 2014.
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