Landing page banner
On 29 October 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Minister’s Awards Presentation Ceremony was held at the Home Team Academy to recognise Home Team officers who’ve demonstrated exemplary performance and pioneered groundbreaking solutions in the line of duty.
Among the award recipients is Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gan Hong Teck from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who received the Home Team Innovation Award for his contributions to the CRIMES3 project.
Police Life spoke with him to learn more about CRIMES3 and his journey in the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
Transforming Investigation Procedures
One of the most significant initiatives that DSP Gan has been part of is the CRIMES3 project, which revolutionises the SPF’s investigation capabilities.
“At its core, CRIMES3 is a next-generation investigation case management system,” DSP Gan explains. “This system supports our officers in their work by digitising investigation documentation as well as evidence capture and management.”
With innovative features like digital statement recording (which the SPF was the first law enforcement agency in Singapore to implement), smart automation and data integration, CRIMES3 has transformed the way investigations are conducted.
In addition, the project includes a mobile app known as Mobile Crime Scene Investigation, developed for the Police Smartphone. This supports officers when conducting investigations in the field.
As a pioneering member of the CRIMES3 project team, DSP Gan has been involved in every phase – from conceptualisation to development and implementation. “Innovation must address a challenge or problem,” he emphasises. “Without a practical purpose, technology cannot achieve the desired outcome.”
Reflecting on the project since its inception in 2018, DSP Gan recounts that it “had not been easy” as there were no existing digital transformation frameworks to guide the team.
“There was plenty of pathfinding to do,” says DSP Gan, “but we were guided by the principle that we must create an effective solution for our officers on the ground.”
DSP Gan recalls the initial rollout phase as particularly demanding: "During CRIMES3’s early implementation, our team spent many long hours on the ground every day. We’d hold long meetings and work through issues."
Despite the demands, DSP Gan's commitment never wavered. "It was challenging both mentally and physically, but the thought of giving up never crossed my mind,” he reflects. “It was the teamwork and camaraderie that gave me the strength to carry on.”
A Passion for Innovation with Purpose
This dedication to practical innovation reflects DSP Gan's broader approach to his work. As Staff Officer (Investigation Policy) at the CID, he develops policies to help officers perform their duties effectively.
“It’s important that our systems uphold the integrity of our operations,” he explains. “At the same time, they must also protect the dignity of victims and their families.”
Being able to give back to society was what drew DSP Gan to the Force. To him, policing work is as real as it gets – every action has an impact on people’s lives.
“My younger self had imagined that coming home each day, knowing that I’ve contributed to keeping Singapore safe, would bring immense satisfaction,” recalls DSP Gan. “I’m glad to say that my younger self was right!”
A Career Full of Rewards
Throughout his career in the SPF, DSP Gan has experienced plenty of rewarding moments. Earlier posting on the ground gave him the satisfaction of investigating cases and providing closure to victims or families.
As he took on leadership roles (for example, serving as an Emergency Response Team Leader in Bedok Police Division from 2016 to 2018), he found joy in seeing his officers grow, gain recognition and advance in their careers.
“In my stint with the CRIMES3 project, gestures of appreciation from officers thanking us for improving their work were really motivating,” shares DSP Gan.
While he’s deeply humbled to receive the Home Team Innovation Award, he emphasises that the achievement is not his alone. He credits his team for their outstanding efforts and support.
“I may not always have the best ideas,” he reveals. “But, as I strive to foster an innovative culture, it’s those who journeyed with me throughout this project who’d made it possible.”
To all aspiring innovators in the Home Team, DSP Gan shares this piece of advice: “Innovation is never easy. It takes grit and resilience. Stay true to your intentions and never lose sight of why we do what we do!”
