SCDF announces expanded, stricter measures to stomp out ragging and hazing culture

Photo: SCDF / Facebook
Photo: SCDF / Facebook

The deep-seated culture of ragging and hazing rituals within the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has been pushed to the forefront of national attention again since the death of 22-year-old full-time national serviceman (NSF) Corporal Kok Yuen Chin.

Though measures have long been introduced to put an end to such sordid affairs, the tragedy arising from a stunt to commemorate the completion of CPL Kok’s national service raised significant public alarm, especially since another young NSF died during training just weeks prior. Today, SCDF released a statement regarding further actions they’ll be taking to prevent further similar cases.

 

Infrastructural changes

Tuas View Fire Station, where CPL Kok died a few days before his ORD. Photo: SCDF / Facebook

CPL Kok drowned during the long-held tradition of “Kolam” — dunking departing firefighters in the fire station’s pump well. He was found unconscious at the bottom of the 12m-deep water reservoir, which is used for training and testing out the pumps of fire engines. Subsequent reports revealed that he was unable to swim, and that his body was found with significant facial injuries presumably sustained during the rescue process.

SCDF announced that metal grating will soon be installed across the opening of the pump well, and will be locked to prevent unauthorized access. Access and usage of the pump well will be strictly controlled too.

Another factor that has allowed ragging activities to take place in the past is the fact that SCDF personnel are able to escape detection through blind spots not monitored by CCTV. This will be remedied by way of an expanded CCTV coverage within all SCDF premises to deter and detect unauthorized activities.

 

Stricter penalties

Photo: Pixabay

An existing initiative against ragging involves disciplinary action and possible criminal prosecution against any SCDF officer found to have carried out or participate in the activities. NSFs and reservists are liable to a detention sentence of up to 40 days on top of a demotion, while regulars can be fined, demoted or dismissed from service.

Soon, the penalties will be expanded even further to encompass personnel who know of such activities, but aren’t willing do anything about it.

“To enhance deterrence, SCDF will also extend these penalties to officers who are found to be aware of such activities but did not attempt to stop or report them,” wrote SCDF in the statement.

“This sends a strong signal that such officers must also bear responsibility”

Unit commanders — both regulars and NS officers — will also be held personally accountable for any ragging or hazing activities that take place in their own units. Newly appointed commanders will also have to undergo a special training programme that will advise them how to prevent such activities and identify vulnerable individuals for early intervention.

In the case of CPL Kok, six SCDF personnel are currently under investigations for their alleged involvement in his tragic death.

 

Feedback helpline

Photo: SCDF / Facebook

A whistle-blowing programme already exists for all SCDF officer to report any wrongful practices, but soon there will be an actual 24/7 hotline to call. A dedicated SCDF Staff Feedback Helpline will be set up for officers and their families to raise and grievances and misconduct within the organization, including feedback and concerns over unacceptable practices. Newly inducted NSFs and their parents/guardians will be briefed about the helpline during their enlistment.

On the ground, SCDF will be increasing their usual feedback and monitoring channels. Regular one-on-one interviews between NSFs and their supervisors are typically carried out during their first three months in a new unit — sessions where NSFs are able to raise concerns.

Soon, interview sessions will be held during the last three months of the NSF’s service as well, and they will be conducted by senior officers outside the fire station to ensure impartiality.

“Any case of unauthorized activities reported during these interviews will be immediately surfaced to SCDF senior management for necessary follow-up action,” SCDF assured.

The measures mentioned will be carried out on top of suggestions that the Board of Inquiry might make after it has completely reviewed the case of CPL Kok.



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