Cyber Citizens on Patrol (Cyber-COP)

Content Overview

Cyber Citizens on Patrol (Cyber-COP) is a volunteer scheme by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), that mobilises members of the community to serve as the SPF's eyes and ears in the digital space. Cyber-COP volunteers identify and report suspicious online activities, scams, cybercrime-related content, and other harmful activities that may affect the community.

What is the role of Cyber-COP Volunteers?

Cyber-COP volunteers observe online platforms for suspicious or harmful activities, identify potential scams, impersonation accounts, fraudulent advertisements and other suspicious content, and report their observations to SPF through official reporting channels.

Why join Cyber-COP?

As cybercrime continues to evolve, members of the public are often the first to encounter scams and suspicious activities online. Cyber-COP provides an avenue for volunteers to contribute meaningfully to the fight against cybercrime by raising awareness of emerging threats and trends in the digital space.

Who can be a Cyber-COP Volunteer?

Cyber-COP volunteers do not need technical or cybersecurity background. The scheme is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Age: 18 and above.
• Digital literacy: Comfortable using social media platforms, messaging applications and online services.

How do I apply to be a Cyber-COP Volunteer?

Click here to apply.

FAQs

1. How does Cyber-COP work?

Cyber-COP is designed to allow volunteers to contribute from anywhere with an Internet connection at any time. There is no requirement to report to a physical patrol location. There are also no fixed patrol timings, as volunteers may contribute based on their availability and existing online activities. To ensure safety and consistency, volunteers operate within clearly defined rules of engagement that cover personal safety, responsible reporting and adherence to the law.

2. Do I need cybersecurity knowledge or technical skills to join?

Cyber-COP is designed for members of the public who are comfortable using online platforms. Volunteers do not need specialised cybersecurity qualifications or professional experience. The SPF will provide volunteers with the necessary onboarding to be able to perform your role.

3. How much time do I need to commit?

Cyber-COP is intended to be flexible. There are no fixed patrol schedules, and volunteers may contribute whenever they are available.

4. Where do Cyber-COP volunteers conduct their patrols?

Cyber-COP volunteers will conduct their patrols in the online spaces they frequent, such as social media platforms, messaging applications, online forums, gaming communities, and e-commerce platforms. Examples of content that Cyber-COP volunteers should look out for include:

• Scam advertisements
• Impersonation or fake accounts
• Fraudulent e-commerce listings
• Phishing attempts
• Suspicious messaging accounts
• Potential cybercrime-related activities
• Other online content that appears harmful, deceptive or criminal in nature

5. What should I do if I encounter suspicious content?

You should document the relevant information and submit a report through the designated SPF reporting channels. Volunteers should provide as much relevant information as possible, such as screenshots, account names, URLs or other identifiers so that SPF can assess and take further action, where applicable.

6. Can I engage or communicate with suspected scammers?

No. Volunteers shall not engage or interact with suspected scammers or suspicious individuals.
Cyber-COP volunteers should only observe and report information that is publicly accessible and obtained lawfully.

7. Will training be provided?

Yes. Volunteers will undergo onboarding and training to learn how to identify relevant information from suspicious online content, document useful details, and submit them to the Police through the proper reporting channels. Volunteers may also be required to attend yearly refresher sessions to stay updated on the latest online crime trends, reporting requirements, and programme guidelines.

8. How long is the term of a Cyber-COP volunteer?

There is no fixed term or minimum period of commitment for Cyber-COP volunteers. Volunteers are encouraged to remain engaged by attending yearly refresher sessions and contributing information when they come across relevant suspicious online content, based on their availability.

9. What happens after I complete my training?

Volunteers who complete the required onboarding and training will be required to acknowledge the Code of Conduct. Thereafter, they may be formally recognised as Cyber-COP volunteers and granted access to the designated reporting channels.

10. Do I need to sign up for Cyber-COP if I am an existing Citizens on Patrol (COP) member?

Yes. Although both schemes share the common goal of keeping Singapore safe, Cyber-COP and the Citizens on Patrol (COP) are distinct volunteer schemes with different roles and responsibilities. The COP scheme focuses on conducting patrols within the neighbourhood, sharing crime prevention tips and reporting suspicious persons or ongoing crime to the Police, while Cyber-COP is dedicated to identifying and reporting suspicious or harmful activities in the digital space. Existing COP volunteers who wish to extend their contributions to the digital space will need to register for Cyber-COP separately.

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