When faced with a real-life bribe encounter, SC/CPL Hu Jiahao’s sense of duty and professionalism remained unwavering.
As a child, 21-year-old SC/CPL Hu Jiahao was captivated by television shows depicting police officers. The adrenaline-pumping scenes of firefights and the pursuit of criminals resulted in him looking up to Police Officers with much pride and recognising Policing work as a noble profession.
Years later, he was pleasantly surprised to be called up to enlist in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for his National Service (NS). Most of his friends had enlisted in the army. Given the opportunity to serve in the SPF and to follow in the footsteps of his childhood heroes, he soon discovered that beyond chases and stand-offs, police work also involves engaging with the public, deterring crimes, and embodying SPF’s core values, particularly in challenging circumstances.
During his shifts, Jiahao followed a routine that included reporting to base, drawing equipment, and attending a briefing on the latest crime trends before commencing patrol duties.
On some days, Jiahao was dispatched to handle incidents on-site. These could range from heart-warming moments like reuniting parents with their lost children to more challenging encounters. One such instance involved Jiahao responding to a call concerning a potentially volatile confrontation between two parties. Upon arrival, he observed heightened emotions and recognised the imminent risk of the situation escalating into violence.
“In such moments, my training and experience kicked in, and I had to make split-second decisions while ensuring that my actions were guided by ethical considerations,” Jiahao recounts. “I needed to assess the situation rapidly, de-escalate tensions, and ensure the safety of all individuals involved.” Using the effective communication techniques he acquired as part of his training, Jiahao peacefully resolved the conflict.
Such incidents underscored one of the most valuable aspects of Jiahao’s enlistment in the SPF: the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through his patrol duties, interactions with the public, and participation in various law enforcement operations.
The experience also further deepened his commitment to serving and safeguarding the community. “Throughout the encounter, I remained mindful of the ethical principles that govern my role as a police officer — fairness, impartiality, and respect for human rights,” he says.
The most defining moment of Jiahao’s tenure in the SPF arose when his integrity faced an unexpected test from an individual attempting to bribe him. Despite being initially taken aback by the audacity of the attempt and the seriousness of the situation, he promptly and calmly refused the bribe. “While there was a temptation to feel offended or angered by the attempt to corrupt my integrity, I knew that maintaining professionalism and adhering to ethical standards were paramount,” he says.
After the incident, Jiahao felt profound pride and satisfaction in doing the right thing when confronted by temptation. “My determination to live up to the SPF’s core values of courage, loyalty, integrity, and fairness was coupled with a strong sense of duty to maintain the trust and respect of the community I serve,” he reflects.
SC/CPL Hu Jiahao (5th from left) with his NS mates from the SPF.
The bribery incident also brought to Jiahao’s mind the actions of his Company Adjutant, Inspector Gowri Shankar, who made him and his fellow trainees recite the four core values of the SPF during every water parade. “With these values ingrained in me, I strive to make decisions on what is morally right, whether on or off duty. I endeavour to remain honest, trustworthy, transparent, and accountable for my actions.”
It also helped that when faced with any ethical challenges at work, Jiahao could seek guidance and support from colleagues and supervisors. This support system further developed his capacity to maintain professionalism, fairness, and impartiality when interacting with colleagues and the public. “By fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration, we can collectively uphold the integrity of the police force and ensure public trust and confidence in our work,” says Jiahao.
Jiahao’s confidence in performing on-the-ground work is rooted in the rigorous training provided by the SPF. Through simulations, drills, and practical exercises covering a wide range of scenarios — from routine patrols to high-risk situations — he honed his decision-making skills and enhanced his ability to respond effectively in unpredictable situations. Additionally, specialised training in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and tactical operations complemented his skill set, ensuring he was well-prepared for the challenges of police work.
Taking initiative, Jiahao actively pursued continuous learning and development opportunities. He attended courses, workshops and sought mentorship from experienced colleagues to further enhance his skills. Furthermore, he prioritised physical fitness and cultivated a mindset of alertness, resilience, and adaptability, ensuring he was well-prepared to meet the unique challenges of his role.
“Regardless of the circumstances, I mentally prepared myself to remain calm and focused,” he says. “Staying informed and up to date on current trends, developments, and best practices in law enforcement also ensured that I was equipped with the latest tools and strategies to address emerging threats and challenges.”
Reflecting on his time in the SPF, Jiahao – who is currently an administrative assistant with the Ministry of Education – finds it humbling and empowering to know that his actions impacted the safety and security of the community. “It reminds me of the immense responsibility entrusted to me by the public,” he explains. “Every decision I make, every interaction I have, and every situation I respond to can have far-reaching consequences for the well-being of Singaporeans and the community as a whole.”
Jiahao advises incoming enlistees to go into the SPF with an open mind, and to be prepared for training that is both physically and mentally challenging. “However, once you are on the ground and patrolling, it is going to be the most fulfilling thing you can do in your national service,” he shares.
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