“The work of a police officer is not just to fight crime, but also to protect the vulnerable,” says Assistant Superintendent of Police Muhammad Ashraf Abdul Rashid.
ASP Ashraf's job scope as an investigator is not desk-bound – it includes visiting crime scenes and attending court proceedings as well. PHOTO: SPH MEDIAI joined the SPF in 2015 as a Direct-Entry Inspector. Upon completion of training at the Home Team Academy, I was then posted to Tanglin Police Division as an Investigation Officer.
My team and I performed a range of duties from patrolling to manning police counters, and we were often the first to respond to 999 calls. Through this role, I got to meet and speak to many different individuals and communities. Together with his colleagues, ASP Ashraf conducts investigations on scams to protect the vulnerable. PHOTO: SPH MEDIAI feel that investigation is what makes policing complete. For example, as part of the investigation process, we will meet and interview the victims of each case, to better understand them and get the necessary information on the case.
Whenever I encounter a victim who seems affected by a scam incident, my team and I will take quick actions, even going beyond our investigations to provide support. For example, we work with the Police Psychological Services Department to activate Victim Care Officers who will provide emotional and practical support to the victim.
Then a few weeks ago, as I was walking around the mall with my family, my two-year-old son Noah suddenly shouted and pointed to a huge TV screen outside one of the DBS branches. I was very surprised that he even knew it was me on the screen! The proud look on his face was priceless.