It was a casual chat with a friend during his secondary days that helped spark Ong Jin Wen’s passion for upholding justice.
That friend had gushed over how cool it was being a gangster.
“I have zero tolerance for gangsters and their activities which pose a social threat to the community. The way he described his status as a new gang member made me determined to join the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and play a role in combating crime, especially gang-related activities,” said Mr Ong, 21.
That conversation was several years ago but his resolve did not waver.
A February 2009 encounter at Simei MRT station reinforced his decision.
“A gangster who was about 15 years old claimed that I stared at him, and whipped out a knife that was approximately 20 centimetres in length. We exchanged words and he challenged me to stay put as he sought reinforcements,” he recalled.
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| Photo by Jason Lee |
Mr Ong Jin Wen, a recipient of the Home Team Merit Award(Polytechnic), on his determination in joining the Singapore Police Force. Prior to July 2010, Mr Ong had applied thrice to join the SPF without success
Several thoughts passed through Mr Ong’s mind at that juncture.
The first was to challenge the other party to a fight, which Mr Ong was confident of winning as the gangster was “smaller in size”.
The second option was to leave the scene quickly while the third was call the police.
Mr Ong chose to call the police.
Within 10 minutes, the suspect was arrested.
“I chose to call the police because I do not want to take things into my own hands. At the same time, I cannot let him off so easily. He was armed and was a danger to the community. I cannot allow the possibility of him stabbing others,” Mr Ong said.
Mr Ong, who is now pursuing a diploma in retail management at Temasek Polytechnic, is on his way to fulfilling that goal.
He was one of the 10 students who received the Home Team Merit Award(Polytechnic), or HOME Award (Polytechnic), in August 2010.
The programme sponsors successful applicants for a three-year full-time diploma course in the local five polytechnics. Upon graduation, these applicants will pursue a career with one of the Home Affairs Uniformed Services (HUS) of their choice.
For Mr Ong, the choice is clear: to become a regular police officer.
He had in fact applied to join the force even when he was still studying at the ITE College East in April 2008, and again in April 2009.
Despite his unsuccessful attempts, Mr Ong tried again in May 2009 when he applied for the inaugural HOME Award (Polytechnic).
He was again unsuccessful.
“I was disappointed to receive the letter of rejection after each of these applications, especially since I was not even shortlisted for any interview,” Mr Ong said.
He was not discouraged though.
“I was determined to join the force and hence I applied for the HOME Award again this year.”
In fact, when he received the letter sometime in July, he was prepared to face rejection once again.
“I told myself then: If I am rejected again, I will persevere and apply again next year … I am glad it was a letter of offer. I really feel my determination has paid off and I look forward to the day I begin my career in the police force.”
A faithful viewer of Crimewatch, Mr Ong said the popular monthly television programme inspired him to follow his dream.
“The way the police conducted their operations or investigations were simply inspiring! Whenever I missed an episode on television, I will watch it on YouTube.”
It’s not difficult to guess Mr Ong’s “dream” department within the SPF.
“I hope to join the Specialised Crime Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) one day as I have always been against secret society-related activities and other offences such as illegal betting syndicate and unlicensed money-lending,” he said.
Mr Ong acknowledged that it will not be easy to join the CID but he believes his determination, passion and hard work – which enabled
him to graduate from ITE College East with straight As – will also help him fulfil the ambition someday.
Reiterating one of the key messages highlighted by the National Crime Prevention Council in recent years, Mr Ong said: “Low Crime doesn't mean no Crime
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