SCDF announces measures in response to “ragging” activities in SCDF premises

Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has announced that regular officers will be punished if they are found to be aware of ragging and unauthorised initiation activities, however, did not attempt to stop or report them.

It added that closed circuit television coverage within SCDF premises will also be expanded and a metal grating will be installed across the opening of pump wells and locked to prevent unauthorised access.

The measure was announced following the death of full-time national serviceman (NSF) Corporal Kok Yuen Chin.

CPL Kok was found unconscious on Sunday (13 May) at the bottom of Tuas View Fire Station’s pump well, which is a reservoir of water used by fire station personnel for training and for testing the pumps of fire engines that contained 11m of water.

The man was about to reach his Operationally Ready Date (ORD) but has been said by his girlfriend to be apprehensive about returning to his unit where his squad mates is set to g.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced the arresting of two SCDF regulars, a Warrant Officer 1 and a Staff Sergeant, in relation to Corporal Kok's death last week. They have been suspended from service and will receive half their salaries pending the outcome of police investigations.

Meanwhile, four other officers, who were due for promotion on 1 June, will have their promotions withheld pending the conclusion of investigations.

On Wednesday, SCDF stated that all unit commanders have been specifically told they will be held personally accountable for any ragging and unauthorised initiation activities that take place in their units, adding that SCDF Division Commanders will hold one-to-one sessions with all commanders under their charge to ensure that they are fully aware of their responsibilities.

The authority noted that newly-appointed commanders will have to undergo a training programme that will communicate the expectations of command, advise them how to detect and prevent such activities, as well as how to identify vulnerable individuals for early intervention.

SCDF also said that currently, any officer found to have participated in any ragging or unauthorised initiation activities is punished severely. For instance, SCDF NSFs or Operationally Ready National Servicemen face a detention sentence of up to 40 days, in addition to demotion in rank.

It said that SCDF regular officers would be disciplined under the Public Service Commission disciplinary framework and are liable to be fined, demoted or dismissed from service.

SCDF said that the extension of the penalties to officers who failed to stop or report such activities despite being aware of them sends a strong signal that they must also bear responsibility, which reiterated its zero-tolerance towards all forms of ragging and unauthorised initiation activities.

SCDF stated that its officers know that they have a serious duty to protect the officers under their charge. This includes the responsibility of protecting officers from any harmful or demeaning actions, which are long-standing, clear duties of officers.

SCDF will also increase feedback and monitoring channels to ensure the well-being of NSFs.

Presently, fortnightly one-to-one interviews between NSFs and their supervisors are conducted during their first three months in a new unit. These interviews continue to take place on a quarterly basis thereafter.

Moving forward, fortnightly interviews will also be held during the last three months of the NSF’s service. These will be conducted by senior SCDF officers who are not based at the same station to ensure impartiality in the feedback process, and facilitates in reassuring the NSFs to bring up any issues of concern.

"Any case of unauthorised activities reported during these interviews will be immediately surfaced to SCDF senior management for necessary follow-up action," it said.

SCDF also stated that a 24/7 dedicated feedback helpline will also be introduced to allow officers and their families to contact SCDF at any time to provide feedback relating to the workplace, including feedback and concerns over unacceptable practices.

A Board of Inquiry (BOI) has been set up to review the incident that led to Corporal Kok's death.

The authority said it will also carefully consider any further recommendations that the BOI might make.

Separately, MHA has stated that the state coroner may call for an inquiry. The Attorney-General's Chambers is also reviewing the case with a view to criminal proceedings.

This entry was posted in government.

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