Staying calm helps police superintendent solve crimes

SINGAPORE — Called past midnight last February to a crime scene where a victim in his early twenties was stabbed in a badminton court of a Housing and Development Board complex, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Low Kay Wee and his team had to act quickly to prevent evidence from being washed away by the heavy rain.

The leader of a group of investigation officers from the Jurong Division was able to lead and guide his team to find and track down the perpetrator within three hours.

For his leadership and consistent outstanding work, ASP Low was among 52 individuals, 58 teams and seven special commendations who received commendation certificates from Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck at the Commissioner of Police’s Commendation Ceremony on Monday (Feb 6).

Since 2011, ASP Low has worked with a team of investigators on various cases such as crimes that involve slashing of a victim and money lending. Regardless of how dangerous a crime is, ASP Low remains calm.

“Calmness is very natural (to me)... if I panic, I won’t be able to provide guidance to my investigators. So along the way (to the crime scene)... I have to start to calm down, (because) I have to think about the scene... and see what has to be done,” he said.

Having served in the police force for 21 years, ASP Low started out as a constable. This is his fourth time receiving this award.

No matter how long it takes him to crack a case, his greatest satisfaction comes from seeing justice being served.

Besides ASP Low, other award recipients included individuals who are not police personnel.

Ms Rohani Bte Ahmad, 53, currently deployed at Changi Airport under Certis CISCO Aviation Security, was recognised for upholding high standards of integrity in the auxiliary police force. She had found a pouch that contained 3500 euros (S$5306.66), A$4000, a number of credit cards and a passport and returned it to its rightful owner.

Non-frontline police staff were recognised, among them was the police’s Public Affairs Department’s Media Production Team, who helped to humanise police officers and the work they do through their work.