COMPARATIVE POLICE SYSTEM

PART

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

===============================================

Introduction

The term police are now used primarily to denote a body of people organized to maintain civil order and public
safety, to enforce the law, and to investigate breaches of the law. All societies need some way to maintain order. In the
smallest societies, informal sanctions discourage deviation. In the simplest forms of state organization, informal
sanctions are supplemented by agents of the ruler who enforce his decisions.

Anglo-Saxon Beginning

As ubiquitous as the contemporary Western police system may seem, it has existed in its present organizational
form only for the past 150 years. The earliest policing system in England predates the Norman Conquest. The Saxon
frankpledge was a private system of social obligation in which all adult males were responsible for the good conduct of
all others. To formalize this social obligation, all males were grouped into tithings headed by a tithingman. Each tithing, in
turn, was grouped into a hundred. The hundred was headed by a hundredman, who served as both administrator and
judge.

Pre-Revolutionary French Police

The pre-Revolutionary French police system was totally different from the English system. Organized financed,
and controlled by the government, the French police were actually the personal political police of the king. The system
serves as a striking example of action by a central government to enforce its own standards of behavior.

Formation of the English Police

The creation of the Thames River Police was one of the most significant police reform experiments of the time.
The first regular professional police force in London, the Thames River Police was organized to curb the thefts that
plagued the world’s largest port. The West India Trading Company created these marine police in June 1798 and installed
police reformer Patrick Colquhoun as director of a permanent staff of 80 men and an on-call staff of 1,120.

Early Police in the United States

The United States inherited England’s Anglo-Saxon common law as well as its system of social obligation and
constables. As both countries moved from rural agrarian to urban industrialized economies, urban riots, crime, and
disorder followed. Yet Americans, like the English, were wary of creating standing police forces.

Late 19th Century Policing

After the Act of 1856 mandated police in the provinces, police departments spread throughout England.
Provincial police were funded by both local and central governments. After the Home Office certified the quality of a
provincial police department, the central government paid half of the cost of local policing, and local taxes paid the rest.

Policing in the United States during the late 19th century, however, was complicated by migration and
immigration, which continually reshaped the ethnic and cultural makeup of cities, and by the radical decentralization of
police authority within the cities. Decentralized policing had major strength, i.e., it gave police close contact with the
public.
Early 20th Century Policing

The struggle for political control of police in the United States gave rise to a distinctive strategy of policing that
was to influence policing throughout the Western democracies. This new style of policing integrated managerial
techniques, sources of authority, innovate tactics, and a narrowed definition of police work.

The first two decades of the 20th century were tumultuous times for American police. Arrayed against these
vast social problems were scattered local police forces and private detective agencies. So limited was their ability to
handle such diverse national and local problems that federal and state governments were forced to create additional
police agencies.

New Models in Policing System

When J. Edgar Hoover took over the Bureau of Investigation in 1924, he laid the groundwork for a strategy that
was to make the FBI one of the most prestigious police organizations in the world. The public’s opinion of detectives was
ready for change.

Vollmer’s idealistic vision of police work, with its strong elements of social work, was soon replaced by Hoover’s
strategy. Ironically, Vollmer’s protégé, O.W. Wilson, became the architect of the new police model.

Until the 1930s and ‘40s, police tactics were based on crime prevention by conspicuous foot patrol. As
automobiles became a more important part of American life, and as reform-minded chiefs broke police officers’ ties to
neighborhoods, more officers were assigned to automobile duty.
PART

UNITED KINGDOM’S POLICE SYSTEM

===============================================

Law enforcement in the United Kingdom is organized separately in each of the legal systems of the United
Kingdom, i.e., England & Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, administration of police matters is not generally affected
by the Government of Wales Act 2006. In the United Kingdom, every person has limited powers of arrest if they see
an indictable crime being committed – these are called "every person powers", commonly referred to as a "citizen's
arrest".

Historical Background

The development of the “new police”—that is, the modern common law police in an industrial-urban
phenomenon—can be claimed, with some justification, to have taken place in London in 1829. The real catalyst was the
industrial revolution. The introduction of a professional police in London was important not only in Britain, it was followed
elsewhere, i.e., Philadelphia in 1833, Boston in 1838, and New York in 1844. Today it forms the basis of much modern
policing, worldwide.

The English parish constable of the Middle Ages emerges as the direct lineal descendant of the ancient tithing
man. The next important development was the Status of Winchester in 1825. This was a consolidating measure codifying
and preserving the well-tried features of local responsibility for policing district, and embodying three features of the
greatest importance, i.e., introduction of the system of watch and ward, the system of hue and cry was revived, and
everyone was obliged to keep arm to follow the cry.
Powers and Functions

In law, every member of a police force is a Constable whatever their actual rank, in the sense that despite being
a low ranking or high ranking officer all have the same powers of arrest. The basic police powers of arrest and search of
an ordinary Constable are identical to those of a Superintendent or Chief Constable; however certain higher ranks are
given administrative powers to authorize certain police actions. A police authority has the power to call for reports from
its chief constabulary.

These includes the powers to, i.e., authorize the continued detention of up to 24 hours of a person arrested for
an offence and brought to a Police station, granted to Sergeants, authorize section house searches, granted to Inspectors,
or extend the length of prisoner detention to 36 hours, granted to Superintendents. In relation to the performance of his
duties every constable is accountable to the law. They can also be sued administratively or criminally for violations of
police discipline code or criminal law.

Organizational Structure

There are four general types of agency, mostly concerned with policing the general public and the rest
concerned with localized policing--territorial police forces—who carry out the majority of policing; special police forces--
which are national police forces that have a specific, and non-regional jurisdiction; non-police law enforcement agencies—
whose officers are not police constables, but still enforce laws; and miscellaneous police forces—mostly having their
foundations in older legislation or Common Law.

Recruitment and Selection

Recruitment and selection is carried out on a force basis. Forces with vacancies have in the past advertised
regularly, but recently recruiting has been very buoyant, and vacancies are shrinking rapidly. Forces recruit as vacancies
occur and there is some national advertising by the Home Office. There is a national entrance test, and the entrance test
is always supplemented by a thorough interview.

Personnel Strength

There were 143,734 full-time equivalent (FTE) police officers in the 43 police forces of England and Wales as at
31 March 2010. This is a decrease of 35 officers compared to a year earlier. There were 6,642 Full Time Equivalents
(FTE) minority ethnic officers in the 43 forces of England and Wales, 4.6 per cent of the total police strength, compared
with 4.4 per cent on 31 March 2009; the FTE police officer strength figure for the 43 forces of England and Wales as of
31 March 2010.

Rank Classifications

Most territorial police forces and special police forces outside of London, have a standard set of
ranks: Constable, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, Chief Superintendent, Assistant Chief Constable,
Deputy Chief Constable, and Chief Constable. Ranks up to Chief Superintendent can be held in either a uniformed or
detective capacity, whereas after that the "Chief Officer" ranks are concerned with the overall management and effective
running of the force.

Within London the ranks are identical to those outside London, until Chief Superintendent. The chief officer
ranks are as follows, i.e., Commander, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner,
Commissioner. The Special Constabulary, maintains its own ranking structure, varies, but most common, i.e., Chief
Officer, Assistant Chief Officer, Special Chief Inspector, District Officer, similar in role to an Inspector, Section Officer,
Similar in role to a Sergeant, and Special Constable.
PART

UNITED STATE’S POLICE SYSTEM

===============================================

Law enforcement in the United States is one of three major components of the criminal justice system, along
with courts and corrections. Although, there exist an inherent interrelatedness between the different groups that make up
the criminal justice system based on their crime deterrence purpose, each component operates independently from one
another. However, the judiciary is vested with the power to make legal determinations regarding the conduct of the other
two components.

Historical Background
 When the thirteen original Colonies broke with the English crown and declared themselves independent in
1776, they already had a century or more of criminal justice behind them. Their criminal laws changed little in the
decades that followed independence. The English common law that had prevailed in the Colonies continued to sway. But
one in one important aspect developed something unique, i.e., “unlike most advanced nations in time the United States
did not legislates a national criminal code.

In the 1970s, when the waves of violence and unrest had peaked, the Law Enforcement Assistance
Administration helped set up the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals to formulate
models for the reduction and prevention of crime. The commission’s police task force report was issued in 1973. It
recommended specific guidelines for evaluating existing practices or setting up new programs. The report’s standards
and goals are being successfully adopted by state and municipal agencies.
Powers and Functions

Scholars have identified three primary police agency functions, i.e., order maintenance—this is the broad
mandate to keep the peace or otherwise prevent behaviors which might disturb others. This can deal with things ranging
from a barking dog to a fist-fight. The police are usually called-on to "handle" these situations with discretion, rather than
deal with them as strict violations of law, though of course their authority to deal with these situations are based in
violations of law.

Law enforcement—those powers are typically used only in cases where the law has been violated and a suspect
must be identified and apprehended. Most obvious instances include robbery, murder, or burglary; and service—service
may include rendering first aid, providing tourist information, guiding the disoriented, or acting as educators. As a result,
police services may include roadside auto assistance, providing referrals to other agencies, finding lost pets or property,
or checking locks.

Organizational Structure

They may be called State Police, State Patrol or Highway Patrol, and are normally part of the state Department
of Public Safety. County police tend to exist only in metropolitan counties and have countywide jurisdiction. Sheriff - the
most common type provides all traditional law-enforcement functions, including countywide patrol and investigations
irrespective of municipal boundaries. Municipal police range from one-officer agencies—sometimes still called the
town marshal to 40,000.

Recruitment and Selection

Nearly all U.S. states and the federal government have by law adopted minimum-standard standardized training
requirements for all officers with powers of arrest within the state. Many standards apply to in-service training as well
as entry-level training, particularly in the use of firearms, with periodic re-certification required. These standards often
comply with standards promoted by the US Department of Justice and typically require a thorough background check that
potential police recruits.

Personnel Strength

The national rate of full-time law enforcement employees per 1,000 inhabitants remained at 3.5 in 2004,
unchanged from the 2003 rate. Among the Nation’s four regions, law enforcement agencies in the Northeast had the
highest rate of law enforcement employees, 3.5 law enforcement employees for every 1,000 inhabitants. Agencies in the
South had 3.4 law enforcement employees per 1,000 inhabitants, in the Midwest, 2.7, and in the West, 2.4.

An examination of the 2004 law enforcement employee data by population group showed that in the nation’s
cities collectively there were 3.0 law enforcement employees per 1,000 inhabitants. Of the population groups with
the city label, cities with 10,000 or less in population had the highest rate of law enforcement employees, 4.2 police
personnel per 1,000 inhabitants.

Rank Classifications
 The United States police rank model is generally quasi-military in structure. Although the large and varied
number of federal, state, and local police departments and sheriff's office have different ranks, a general model, from
highest to lowest rank, would be: Chief of Police, Police Commissioner, Superintendent, Sheriff, Deputy Chief of Police,
Deputy Commissioner, Deputy, Superintendent, Undersheriff, Inspector, Commander, Colonel, Major, Deputy Inspector,
Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Detective, Inspector, Investigator, Officer, Deputy Sheriff, and Corporal.

PART

JAPAN’S POLICE SYSTEM

===============================================

In Japan, police system generally enjoys wide community support and respect. The system is so called Keisatsu
Seido. Concerning the historical development, during the Edo period - we are talking about the years 1600 - 1868 here,
the Tokugawa Shogunate--the form of those days governing the country, developed elaborate police system based on
town magistrates who held samurai status and served as chiefs of police, prosecutors and criminal judges. The system
was extended by citizens groups—Gonin Gumi.

Historical Development

There have been two formative periods in the development of the modern Japanese police, the Meiji restoration,
especially the years from 1872 to 1889, and the Allied occupation from 1945 to 1952. The first full-time professional
policemen were appointed in Japan in 1871; three years later the Keihoryo—Police Bureau was established in the Ministry
of Home Affairs—Naimusho. This system remained in force until 1947, when it was totally reorganized by the
occupational authorities.

The dual system of municipal police and rural police was abolished and the two forces were integrated into a
central police force under the name of Todo Fukeu Keisatru—Prefectural Police. The Public Safety Commission (PSC) was
established as the principal administrative agency with the right to intervene in prefectural police matters. At the same
time, the political neutrality and democratic administration of the police force were clearly defined and guaranteed.
Powers and Functions

The duties of the police in Japan are stipulated by the Police Law as "protecting the life, person and property of
an individual citizen, preventing, suppressing and investigation of crimes, controlling traffic and also maintaining public
safety and order". In order to carry out these duties, police engage in various activities. The main subject of the police
duties is the control of crimes. In addition, the police attend to a wide range of administrative duties to maintain public
peace and order.

With regard to the control of crimes, the Code of Criminal Procedure provides that "when a judicial police officer
deems that an offense has been committed, he shall investigate the offender and evidence thereof". This gives police
officers the authority to investigate all kinds of offenses, including those affecting public peace and order. Hence, the
police are empowered to crack down on all violations punishable under all laws as well as to investigate criminal
offenses.

Organizational Structure

The present police law stipulates that the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the police such as "protecting the
life, person and property of individual persons" and "maintaining public peace and order" be collectively consigned to
prefectural governments from the central government and that such police duties’ is executed by the prefectural
governments. It also provides that the national government set up its own police organization to control and direct the
prefectural police regarding certain police duties in accordance with their specific national character.

Also, as in the case of the old police law, public safety commissions are established at both national and
prefectural levels. The three main law enforcement organizations in Japan are the National Public Safety Commission
(NPSC)—Koan Linkai under the direct authority of the prime minister, the National Police Agency (NPA)—Keisatsucho
headed by a commissioner general, and prefectural police, each with police stations—kaisatsu sho or in the case of urban
area, city police departments—shi keisatsubu.
Personnel Strength

The personnel of the NPA and the Prefectural Police forces are composed of police officers, members of the
Imperial Guard, and civilian employees such as clerical workers and technical engineers. All these personnel work as one
body to perform police duties. On the basis of the present authorized nation-wide police strength, the ratio of police to
population is one police officer to about 555 citizens. The burden is considerably heavy as compared with that of Western
countries.

Rank Classifications

Police officers are divided into nine ranks, namely, Keishi-Sokan-Superintendent General of the Tokyo
Metropolitan Police Department, Keishi-Kan-Superintendent Supervisor, Keishi-Cho-Chief Superintendent, Keishi-Sei–
Senior Superintendent, Keishi-Superintendent, Keibu- Police Inspector, Keibu-Ho - Assistant Police Inspector, Junsa-
Bucho-Police Sergeant, and Junsa-Policeman.

The Commissioner-General of the NPA also has the status of a police officer and functionally holds the highest
position in the Japanese police forces but he does not have a police rank. In addition to the ranks mentioned above, there
is the position of Junsa-Cho. This position is awarded to Junsa, who has a wealth of working experiences and whose
performance of duties is very good. The policemen awarded the position of Junsa-Cho are assigned to the task of giving
on-the-job training to their subordinates and of coordinating actual police duties.
PART

THAILAND’S POLICE SYSTEM

===============================================

The police system in Thailand works a little differently than that at home. The government pays their police
force very little and the community becomes responsible for supporting the police financially. Police in Thailand are
commonly known as the BIB--boys in brown, due to their uniform. For most tourists this will have no consequences for
them but you should be aware of how things work should something happen. This could save you some time and
frustration.

Historical Development

Thailand has had organized police forces since the 16th century, but the first Western-type police was created
with the help of British advisers in 1861. A Railway Police was established in 1984 followed by a Provincial Police Force
in 1879. The latter became the Gendarmarie and the Patrol Department in 1915, and it was reorganized as the Royal
Thai Police Department in 1932. During the 1960s and early 1970s, as the police assumed the role in counterinsurgency
operations, operating in rural areas.

A reorganization of the TNPD in 1978 and 1979 gave more command authority to the four police lieutenant
generals who served as regional commissioners of the Provincial Police. Thereafter, the senior officers of each region not
only controlled all provincial police assigned to their respective geographic areas but also directed the railroad, highway,
marine, and forestry police units operating there, without going through the chain of command to the Central
Investigation Bureau in Bangkok.
Powers and Functions

The primary responsibility for the maintenance of public order through enforcement of the kingdom's laws was
exercised by the Thailand National Police Department (TNPD), a subdivision of the Ministry of Interior. Charged with
performing police functions throughout the entire country, the TNPD was a unitary agency whose power and influence in
Thai national life had at times rivaled that of the army. The formal functions of the TNPD included more than the
enforcement of laws and apprehension of offenders.

The department also played an important role in the government's efforts to suppress the remnants of the
insurgency. In the event of an invasion by external forces, much of the police force would come under the control of the
Ministry of Defense to serve with, but not be incorporated into, the military forces. The p rimary responsibility for the
maintenance of public order through enforcement of the kingdom's laws was exercised by the Thailand National Police
Department (TNPD).

Organizational Structure

Originally modeled on the pre-World War II national police force of Japan, the Thailand National Police
Department (TNPD) was reorganized several times to meet changing public order and internal security needs. American
advice, training, and equipment, which were provided from 1951 through the early 1970s, did much to introduce new law
enforcement concepts and practices and to aid in the modernization of the TNPD. During this era the strength and
effectiveness of the police grew steadily.

All components of the police system were administered by the TNPD headquarters in Bangkok, which also
provided technical support for law enforcement activities throughout the kingdom. The major operational units of the
force were the Provincial Police (PP), the Border Patrol Police (BPP), the Metropolitan Police (MP), and smaller
specialized units supervised by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).

Personnel Strength

In mid-1987 the total strength of the TNPD, including administrative and support personnel, was estimated at
roughly 110,000. Of this number, over one-half were assigned to the Provincial Police and some 40,000 to the BPP. More
than 10,000 served in the Metropolitan Police. The total strength of the force including administrative and support
personnel, is estimated at 100,000. Of this number, half are assigned to the Provincial Police and some 14,000 to the
Border Patrol Police. More than 15,000 serve in the Metropolitan Police Force.

Quasi-military in character, the TNPD is headed by a director general who holds the rank of police general, and
assisted by three deputy director generals and five assistant director generals, all of whom with the rank of police
lieutenant general.

Rank Classifications

The rank of police officers in the Royal Malaysian Police are classified as follows, i.e., Commissioned Officers –
Police General--Phon Tamruat Ek, Police Lieutenant General--Phon Tamruat Tho, Police Major General--Phon Tmaruat Tri,
Police Brigadier General--Phon Tmaruat Jattawa, not in use now, Police Senior Colonel, equivalent to Brigadier General--
Phan Tamruat Ek Phiset, Police Colonel--Phan Tamruat Ek, Police Lieutenant Colonel--Phan Tamruat Tho, Police Major--
Phan Tamruat Tri, Police Captain-- Roi Tamruat Ek, Police Lieutenant--Roi Tamruat Tho; and Non-Commissioned Officers
– Police Senior Sergeant Major--Dap Tamruat, Police Sergeant Major--Ja Sip Tamruat, Police Sergeant--Sip Tamruat Ek,
Police Lance Corporal--Sip Tamruat Tri, and Policeman or Constable--Phon Tamruat.

PART

MALAYSIAS’S POLICE SYSTEM

===============================================

A police force has been in existence in Malaysia since the days of the Malacca Sultanate. Malacca's canonical
law created what was essentially a police force in Malaysia in the fifteenth century, through the institution of
the Temenggung and Hulubalang, or royal warriors, although institutions for keeping order had undeniably existed since
the Hindu Majapahit and Buddhist Sri Vijaya Empires. The nation's police force is headed by an Inspector General of
Police, his Deputy and four Directors of Divisions.
Historical Development

The modern Malaysian police force dates from 1806, when the British formed a police force in Penang. In 1824
a similar units was established in Malacca. The Perak Armed Police was established in 1867, followed by similar
organizations in Negeri Sembilan, Selagor and Pahang. These forces operated separately until 1896, when British
amalgamated them into the Federated Malay States Police. Theses police units were trained by non-commissioned
officers of the British Army.

Events in the latter part of 19th and 20th centuries dictated the development of police along paramilitary line.
The amalgamation of Sabah, Sarawak and Federation of Malaya into Malaysia in 1963 was the occasion for developing
final plans to unify separate police organizations into a single national police force—called the Royal Malaysian Police
(RMP). The constabularies of Sabah and Sarawak were subordinated to federal authority, and the RMP in essentially its
present form was established.
Powers and Functions

The police force performs the duties of preventing crime, protection of the general welfare of the people,
investigating and detecting crime, identifying and apprehending offenders, and prosecuting criminals. The force also has
to perform the onerous task of jungle operations, tracking down undesirable elements, investigating the smuggling of
drugs, arms, and other contraband items. The force is a centralized organization with responsibilities ranging from traffic
control to intelligence gathering.

Organizational Structure

The Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) or Polis Diraja Malaysia, PDRM; is a part of the security forces structure
in Malaysia. The force is a centralized organization with responsibilities ranging from traffic control to intelligence
gathering. Its headquarters is located at Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur. The police force is led by an Inspector-General of
Police (IGP).

Its headquarters is located at Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur. The police force is led by an Inspector-General of
Police (IGP). All departments are led by the directors with the rank of Commissioner of Police, Army Equivalent rank of
Three Stars General or Lieutenant-General. Rakan Cop is a community outreach program launched in August 9, 2005.

Apart from the 2 departments involved in the administration vis-a-vis Management Department and Logistics
Department, RMP have 6 departments involved in crime prevention viz Criminal Investigation Division, Narcotics Criminal
Investigation Division, Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDN/ KA), Special Branch, Commercial Crime
Investigation Department and Counter-Terrorism Special Operations Team. All departments are led by the directors with
the rank of Commissioner of Police (Army Equivalent rank of Three Stars General or Lieutenant-General).

The Police Field Force (PFF) organized in battalions, was once the para-military units of the Royal Malaysian
Police. The force, which was also known as the Jungle Squad (Pasukan Polis Hutan (PPH) in Malay) was tasked to operate
in the jungle fringes in counter-insurgency roles during the Malayan Emergency, Indonesia–Malaysia confrontations and
later Communist guerrilla insurgencies along the Malaysian-Thai border and in the jungles of Sabah and Sarawak. When
the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) and Clandestine Communist Organisation (CCO) finally gave up their armed struggle
in 1989 and 1990, PFF lost its role. It was reorganized as the General Operations Force (GOF).

Personnel Strength

At present the Royal Malaysian Police are having personnel strength of 102,037, which is consisting of 1,000
police stations, and a Central Headquarters located at Bukit, Aman, Kuala Lumpur, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Rank Classifications

The rank of police officers in the Royal Malaysian Police are classified as follows, i.e., Senior Officers —Inspector-
General of Police and Deputy Inspector-General of Police; the Commissioners - Commissioner of Police, Deputy
Commissioner of Police, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police I, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police II, Assistant
Commissioner of Police I; and Superintendents – Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and
Assistant Superintended of Police. Low rank of police officers apart from sub-inspectors wears their rank insignia on the
right sleeve of their uniforms. Sub-inspectors and higher ranks wear their rank insignia on epaulettes on both shoulders.
 PART

SINGAPORE’S POLICE SYSTEM

===============================================

The Singapore Police Force has a heritage almost as old as that of modern Singapore, having been formed
in 1819 with a skeleton force of 11 men under the command of Francis James Bernard, son-in-law of William Farquhar.
Manpower constraints meant that the men had to perform a wide range of roles, and required the help of headmen
amongst the various ethnic communities to maintain orderliness on the streets, all the more possible as the communities
lived in segregated areas around the city.

Historical Development

The Singapore Police Force has a heritage almost as old as that of modern Singapore, having been formed
in 1819 with a skeleton force of 11 men under the command of Francis James Bernard, son-in-law of William Farquhar,
and kept in operation with a monthly budget of $300. Manpower constraints meant that the men had to perform a wide
range of roles, and required the help of headmen amongst the various ethnic communities to maintain orderliness on the
streets, and in segregated areas around the city.

Headed by Europeans and predominantly staffed by Malay and Indian officers, the force had little Chinese
representation as the military and policing professionals were traditionally shunned by the Chinese community, which
therefore impaired policing efforts amongst the large Chinese populace. In 1843, the force comprised a
sitting magistrate doubling up as a superintendent, three European constables and an assistant native constable, 14
officers and 110 policemen.
Powers and Functions

The Singapore Police Force is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and order in the city-state. Formerly
known as the Republic of Singapore Police, it has grown from an 11-man organization to a 38,587 strong force. It enjoys
a relatively positive public image, and is credited for helping to arrest Singapore's civic unrests and lawlessness in its
early years, and maintaining the low crime rate today despite having a smaller police-citizen ratio compared to other
major cities.
Singapore has been ranked consistently in the top five positions in the Global Competitiveness Report in terms
of its reliability of police services. The Singapore Police Force is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and
order in the city-state. Police officers in the various divisions are armed when conducting regular uniformed patrols and
plainclothes duties.

Organizational Structure

The organizational structure of the SPF is split between the staff and line functions, roughly modeled after the
military. There are currently 15 staff departments and 13 line units. The headquarters is located in a block at New
Phoenix Park in Novena, adjacent to a twin block occupied by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Singapore Police Force is headed by the commissioner of police assisted by four deputy commissioners,
each in charge of a command. Two departments come directly under the commissioner’s charge, i.e., the Public
Relations Departments and the Staff Inspectorate. Each of these departments is headed by a deputy assistant
commissioner. Together these departments help to keep the commissioner informed of developments in the
environment as well as the internal health of the force.

Personnel Strength

Regulars, or uniformed, full-time officers, constitute about 20% of the police's total workforce and number
approximately 8,000 in strength. Basic entry requirements for police officers include normal fitness levels, good eyesight,
and at least five passes in the GCE Ordinary level or a NITEC from the Institute of Technical Education, although those
with lower qualifications may still be considered. As at 31 March 2006, the total strength of the force stands at 34,397,
of which 12,496 are full-time staff.

Those joining the senior police officers require a basic degree from a recognized university. Alternatively, police
officers from the junior ranks may also be considered for promotion into the senior ranks. Officers serving in the force as
national servicemen are also regularly considered for absorption into the regular scheme. Basic training for all officers
was conducted at the Home Team Academy, under the purview of the Police Training Command. It takes about six
months and nine months to train a new police officer and senior police officer respectively.

Rank Classifications

A standard rank structure is used throughout the police force, although some ranks may be unique to specific
organizations. Hereunder are the rank structure of the Singapore Police Force, i.e., Senior Police Officers - Commissioner
of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Senior Assistant Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Assistant
Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police, AND
Inspector of Police; Police Officers - Senior Station Inspector II of Police, Senior Station Inspector I of Police, Station
Inspector of Police, Senior Staff Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal, Lance Corporal, Special constable; and non
regulars - Police Constable - obsolete regular rank.

PART

HONG KONG’S POLICE SYSTEM

===============================================

The HKPF is the largest disciplined service under the Security Bureau of Hong Kong. It is the world's second
and Asia's first police agency to operate with a modern policing system. It was formed on 1 May 1844, with strength of
32 officers. Queen Elizabeth II granted the Royal Charter to the Hong Kong Police Force in 1969, renaming the Hong
Kong Police Force as the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. Following the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong, the Police
Force now uses the current name.

Historical Development

The history of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force dates back to the colony’s beginnings when, in April 1841, a
former Army officer was appointed magistrate with powers to recruit men for police duties. The majority of these early
policemen were either ex-soldiers or ex-sailors and, in 1844, the first Indians were recruited. The following year s
superintendent of the London Metropolitan Police arrived with two inspectors to organize a police force capable of
establishing and maintaining law and order.

As Hong Kong expanded over the years, so did is police force. The Walter Police were increased, and the harbor
was continuously patrolled. In 1867, the first contingent of 100 Sikh recruit arrived, and during 1987, forty-five Scots
arrived to reinforce the British contingent. By the end of 1980, the force which started off within a humble band of ex-
serviceman, had over 21,981 disciplined men and women serving, and all the specialist departments associated with
modern police force.
Powers and Functions

Regions are largely autonomous in their day-to-day operation and management matters, and each has its own
headquarters, which comprises administration and operation wings, Emergency Units, as well as traffic and criminal
investigation units. Each region is divided into districts and divisions and in a few cases sub-divisions. Currently there are
23 districts. The policing of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the main towns of the New Territories follow a similar
pattern. Responsibility for law and order on the Mass Transit Railway is vested in the Railway District.

In Hong Kong, the major role of the police is to discourage and investigate crimes, with particular emphases on
crime against persons or property and the maintenance of public order, and if able to apprehend suspected perpetrators,
to detain them, and inform the appropriate authorities. Police are often used as an emergency service and may provide
public safety function at large gatherings, emergencies, disasters, and search and rescue situations.

Organizational Structure

The force is commanded by the Commissioner of Police who is assisted by two deputy commissioners - a
"Deputy Commissioner - Operations" supervises all operational matters including crime - and a "Deputy Commissioner -
Management" is responsible for the direction and coordination of the force management including personnel, training
and management services. For day-to-day policing operations, the force is organized into six regions, i.e., Hong Kong
Island, Kowloon East, Kowloon West, New Territories North, New Territories South, and Marine Region.

Each police district is divided into divisions and sub-divisions. There are eight divisions in Kowloon, six in New
Territories, four in Hong Kong Island, and three in the Marine Police District. Each district has a headquarters and
Criminal Investigations Department. The three land districts also have traffic officers. Each land district is commanded by
an assistant commissioner. He is assisted by tow chief superintendents, one of whom is the deputy district police
commandant with a special responsibility for operational matters, the other oversees district administration.

Personnel Strength

Whilst 99% of the 35,000 police force is Hong Kong Chinese, the overall establishment reflects the
cosmopolitan nature of Hong Kong. Whilst the recruitment of Europeans ceased in 1994, as of September 2009, there
are 185 Europeans in the force from inspector to assistant commissioner, and a handful of officers with Indian, Pakistani,
Thai, Singaporean and Malaysian heritage. Many Chinese officers have resided in countries such as Canada, USA,
Australia and UK. New recruits have to satisfy basic academic and language requirements, i.e., read and write Chinese
and speak fluent Cantonese, as well as be a permanent resident of the Hong Kong SAR.

Rank Classifications

The HKPF continues to use similar ranks and insignia to those used in British police forces. Until 1997, the St
Edward's Crown was used in the insignia, when it was replaced with the Bauhinia flower crest of the Hong Kong
government. The crest of the force was modified in 1997: Commissioner of Police (CP), Deputy Commissioner of
Police (DCP), Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Chief
Superintendent of Police (CSP), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Superintendent of Police (SP), Chief Inspector of
Police (CIP) (insignia of a Captain), Senior Inspector of Police (SIP), Inspector of Police (IP), Probationary Inspector of
Police (PI), Station Sergeant (SSGT), Sergeant (SGT), Senior Constable (SPC), and Police Constable (PC).
PART

PHILIPPINE’S POLICE SYSTEM

======================================================

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a
national and a local police force in that it provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines. The Philippine
National Police, which was a result of a merger of the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police, was
activated on January 29, 1991. Its national headquarters are based at Camp Crame, Quezon City, in the National Capital
Region.

Historical Background

The police under the local setting primitively evolved from the practice of the different tribes to select able-
bodied young men to protect the people from the assault of the rival tribe, and to maintain peace and order within the
village. By the coming of the Spaniards, the country’s police system started. After the Spanish Era, another master
begins, the Americans came to our country to conquer and rule the Philippine Republic.

The passage into law on December 13, 1990 of Republic Act No. 6975 ended the existence of the Philippine
Constabulary and the Integrated National Police and gave way to the creation of the Philippine National Police. With the
effectivity of Republic Act No. 8551, otherwise known as the “Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act
of 1998,” the PNP was envisioned to be a community and service oriented Agency. As mandated by law, the PNP
activated/created the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) on a national scope on June 1, 1999.
Powers and Functions

As provided by Section 14, RA 6975, hereunder are the powers and functions of the PNP:

1. Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the protection of lives and properties; and maintain peace
and order and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety;
 2. Investigate and prevent crimes, effects the arrest of criminal offenders, bring offenders to justice and
assist in their prosecution; exercise the general powers to make arrest, search and seizure in accordance with the
Constitution and pertinent laws;

3. Detain an arrested person for a period not beyond what is prescribed by law, informing the person so
detained of all his rights under the Constitution;

4. Issue licenses for the possession of firearms and explosives in accordance with law; and supervise and
control the training and operations of security agencies and issue licenses to operate agencies, and to security guards
and private detectives, for the practice of their professions, and

5. Perform such other duties and exercise all other functions as may be provided by law.

Organizational Structure

The PNP Organizational Structure is composed of the Central Office or the National Headquarters, which housed
the office of the PNP Chief, two Deputy Chiefs, the Chief Directorial Staff and ten Directorial Staffs with the support of
nine Administrative and ten Operational Units and seventeen Police Regional Offices (PROs) nationwide corresponding to
the regional subdivisions of the country to include the NCRPO, PROs 1, 2, 3, 4A (CALABARZON), 4B (MIMAROPA), 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 (CARAGA), CAR and ARMM. It was on September 1, 2002 that PRO 4 was subdivided into PRO 4A-
CALABARZON and PRO 4B-MIMAROPA.

Recruitment and Selection

The recruitment quota given to any of the National Support Units (NSU) shall be based on the actual demands of
the functional area covered. With regard attrition quota, the Mayor as Chairperson of the Local Peace and Order Council
(LPOC) shall create an Ad Hoc Body composed of four (4) members. The City Director/Chief of Police (CD/COP) shall serve
as the Secretariat for this activity.

Personnel Strength

The Philippine National Police has inducted 2,600 more recruits into the police service to beef-up manpower
requirements for police operations. Under its 2010 Regular Recruitment Program, the PNP has programmed the
enlistment of 10,000 recruits to meet the requirement for more personnel to support ongoing operations. Processing of
applications for recruits is currently ongoing at the PROs and NSUs to fill-up the vacancies. T he number of star rank
officers in the PNP has been increased to 90, which is .075% of the CY: 2005 total authorized police strength of 119,893.

Rank Classifications

For purposes of efficient administration, supervision and control, the rank classification of the PNP
shall be as follows, i.e., non-commissioned officers - Police Officer I, Police Officer II, Police Officer III, Senior
Police Officer I, Senior Police Officer II, Senior Police Officer III, and Senior Police Officer IV, for commissioned
officers - Inspector, Senior Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, Senior Superintendent, Chief
Superintendent, Director, Deputy Director General, and Director General.
PART

10

CONTEMPORARY POLICE SYSTEM

===============================================

Introduction

Wilson’s strategy of policing came into fruition during the 1960s. Indeed, in 1967 the President’s Commission
on Law Enforcement and Crime, which was critical of the strategies of other criminal justice agencies, endorsed both
preventive patrol and rapid response to calls.
 In Britain the police strategy of Sir Robert Peel was successful during the 20 th century. Although influenced to
some extent by the tactics of American Police, the British approach appealed to the public and remained effective. Foot
patrols continued in most cities, which lacked the suburban “sprawl” of American cities.

Diversity of Police Activities

There is a remarkable historical, geographical, and organizational diversity in the activities of persons who are,
or have been, counted as police. Within any one country the work of police today is very different from what it was 200
years ago. There are also major differences between countries-policing New York City is bound to have little in common
with policing the Solomon Islands.

The diversity is so great that the onlooker may wonder if the different kinds of activity and organization have
sufficient in common to be classified together. The principle of police accountability is helpful in explaining the diversity.
The problem is summarized in a Latin question, i.e., “Quis custodiet ipsos custodies?” A second principle that helps
explain the diversity of police activities in different societies is that of police adaptation to cultural traditions.

Centralization vs. Decentralization

For these and other reasons, a tension exists between the forces of society that tend to centralize the public
police and those that tend to decentralize it. On the one hand, it would appear that communities cannot wholly be left to
police themselves, and that a central government should impose its standards upon local communities. On the other
hand, if the central government itself is corruptor self-seeking, the outcome will be worse than if communities were left to
enforce law and order according to their own rights.

The classification of police as centralized or decentralized organizations is a relative concept. The English police,
for example, are generally considered to be a decentralized force; however, when they are compared to police forces in
the United States, they appear quite centralized. The organization of police forces around the world forms a wide
spectrum, in which the police of the United States represent the decentralized end and the secret police of totalitarian
states the centralized extreme.

Routine Police Activities

There are features common to the work of police in differing societies that are founded upon similar technology.
Yet within the same society, at times within the same police force, there are variations in the policies of police chiefs.
Within the framework of enforcement policy, police work is divided into various branches.

Moreover, whether one examines the types of calls for service that police receive, the calls to which police are
dispatched, or the activities that police initiate on their own, it is clear that the majority of police activities consist of
providing emergency services, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and providing other services.

Police Work as an Occupation

As has been seen, some police bodies are constituted as part of the armed services. In some European
countries it has been normal to recruit as police those who have served as regular soldiers or sailors. It has been even
more common to appoint retired army, navy, or air force officers to command police forces. Since World War II the trend
has been in the opposite direction.

Police work is seen as a specialist career, and it is argued that the senior positions should go to those who have
learned the work by experience. This poses certain problems of recruitment. It is argued that the police should be able to
offer appointments as cadets to young persons who want to become policemen.

Concluding Remarks

The police systems in developed economies are currently undergoing radical change. It is clear that a number
of significant shifts have occurred including major reforms in public policing, and a substantial expansion of the private
security industry. The degree of current developments in policing should be interpreted as a sharp qualitative break with
the past.
 It is concluded by arguing that it is helpful to locate the set of changes within the framework of policing in a
wider context. Thus, rather than view current developments as a fragmentation of policing, we see them as part of a
long-term process of formalization of social control.

-END-