In Singapore, what does it take to be a female investigation officer?

CNA Women interviews Deputy Superintendent of Police Teo Ko Sing about what the job means to her, including working on the Golden Dragon Hotel murder case shortly after joining the Special Investigation Section of the Criminal Investigation Department.

When Teo Ko Sing joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 2012, she was 24, she had worked in another government agency’s office. In addition to being inspired by a female friend who joined the force before her, the environmental engineering graduate did not want to be “confined to an office job”.

After working on missing persons cases and theft cases as an investigation officer, she became a patrolling team leader before moving on to policy work as a team leader. Eventually, she found her calling in investigation work, which is why, since October 2018, she has been assigned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Special Investigation Section (SIS).

Upon meeting, the 34-year-old appears serious – as one might expect given the nature of her work.

Despite this, she also shows a playful side, sharing that she is “very different” at work and at home. “I am very lazy at home because I don’t like to think and make decisions,” she laughed. You could say her sentiments are perfectly understandable – when dealing with serious crimes such as murder, making quick decisions in every step of the investigation is expected. Death awaits the accused for murder.