Criminal Investigation Department gets new chief

SINGAPORE - There has been a change in command at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), with Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Tan Chye Hee assuming the position of Director CID from today.

SAC Tan, 41, is currently the Director of the Police Intelligence Department (PID). He was awarded the SPF Overseas Scholarship in 1992, and has held key appointments, including Director Planning and Organisation Department, Deputy Director CID and Commander Ang Mo Kio Police Division.

He replaces Deputy Commissioner of Police (DC) Hoong Wee Teck, 51, who took the helm as Director CID in 2011.

In a police statement released today, SAC Tan said, "I am 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 added that he aimed to synergise the two key areas of investigation and intelligence, that would make the Singapore Police Force a formidable crime fighting outfit.

SAC Tan said that as director, he hoped to build on the excellent work done by DC Hoong, and would focus on constantly attracting good people to join the investigation fraternity.

"Investigation is a demanding but deeply satisfying job; and as such we need the best talent that we can find. This will enable us to be effective in crime suppression and crime solving and bring offenders to justice," he said.

He also said that he would continue with efforts to deepen the competencies of investigators to combat challenges such as cyber-crimes and highly complex transnational organised crimes, and collaborate with foreign law enforcement counterparts.

Outgoing director DC Hoong said: " I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the CID as its Director for the past four years. My stint as Director CID has been one which I find truly fulfilling and an enriching experience."

seanyap@sph.com.sg