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2025 marks the golden jubilee of Police National Service (PNS) – a milestone that honours five decades of steadfast service by generations of PNS officers in safeguarding Singapore.
For Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) (NS) Lok Weng Hoe, NS Commander of Central Police Division since April 2024, the PNS50 is more than a landmark moment – it’s a deeply personal reminder of bonds forged in service.
Answering the Call
DAC (NS) Lok joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 1990. After completing his training at the Police Academy (now known as the Home Team Academy), he was posted to the Police Headquarters for a year before being posted to Central Police Division.
One of DAC (NS) Lok’s most unforgettable memories on patrol came when a routine check on a man turned tense. Handing over a false NRIC, the man attempted to flee.
“But thanks to my partner’s quick instincts and action, we managed to restrain him,” he recalled. “Later, we learnt that he was wanted for murder.”
In 2002, DAC (NS) Lok was persuaded by his mentor, a senior Police officer, to continue serving with the SPF as a Command Appointment Holder. Guided by his colleagues at Central Police Division, he found continued purpose and camaraderie.
The Heart of Policing
In 2008, DAC (NS) Lok formed the Bukit Merah East Eagles team and led the group of PNS officers to conduct proactive patrols and enforcement operations. “One of these led to the arrest of a thief at Chinatown Complex Food Centre in June 2008,” he recalled. “This earned us a Commander’s Award.”
DAC (NS) Lok was also committed to helping his fellow PNS officers perform at their best. To improve shooting standards among PNS officers, he was part of a team that helped to develop a wireless marksman shooting kit in 2010 for Central Police Division. This initiative raised marksmanship scores across their PNS unit.
Reflecting on how the SPF has evolved over the decades, DAC (NS) Lok noted the shift towards intelligence-led models of policing, the introduction of specialist units and the rise of digital tools to help officers in their duties.
“But I believe the heart of policing remains the same: vigilance, teamwork and public trust,” he shared.
Beyond the Uniform
Over the years, policing has shaped DAC (NS) Lok’s character in uniform and also in his professional career as a Sales Director at an engineering company. “Policing demands professionalism, reliability and adherence to protocols,” he explained, “while leading Police operations under uncertain conditions has taught me how to guide teams with purpose. These are all skills that I continue to apply in my career.”
DAC (NS) Lok enjoys the challenge of balancing his operational duties with work and family life, crediting his family members for their unwavering support over the decades. Maintaining his fitness and shooting proficiency also remains a priority.
“It’s never about the shoes,” he quipped, recalling how he struggled with running in his 30s, despite having better gear than in his youth. “It’s about priorities – we have to put our health and fitness first.”
As the SPF celebrates 50 years of PNS, DAC (NS) Lok paid tribute to PNS officers for their service: “Half a century may not seem like a long time, yet countless PNS officers have devoted themselves to keeping Singapore safe,” he said. “We’re an essential bridge connecting the Police and community. In uniform, we project presence and authority. Out of uniform, we’re the eyes and ears of the SPF. Together, we make a difference every single day.”
