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Mr How Kwang Hwee took over command of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) from Mr Hoong Wee Teck as the Commissioner of Police (CP), in a Change of Command Ceremony held at the Home Team Academy on 5 January 2026.
With solemnity and pride, the Force honoured former CP Hoong’s 11 years of exemplary leadership whilst looking confidently to its next chapter of service and excellence.
Over Three Decades of Distinguished Service
The ceremony began with former CP Hoong's arrival and a Police Salute from SPF officers. Following an inspection of the parade, he then delivered his farewell address, reflecting on the values central to his leadership and the SPF's mission.
“As Commissioner, my greatest honour was not the title. It was the opportunity to witness and embody – every day – the values that define this organisation: Courage, Loyalty, Integrity and Fairness. In a world of rapid change, where threats continue to evolve and systems shift, these values are all the more important and will remain timeless.”
Former CP Hoong joined the Force in 1987 and has held many key appointments, including Deputy Commissioner (DC) (Investigations and Intelligence), Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Director of the Police Intelligence Department. He was appointed CP on 6 January 2015.
During his tenure as Commissioner, he significantly strengthened the capabilities of the SPF, introducing unmanned aerial vehicles for patrols and incident response, as well as the Police Camera network, which has significantly enhanced investigations and crime prevention.
Former CP Hoong also commissioned the first batch of Emergency Response Team officers in 2016 to more effectively tackle the terrorism threat. In 2022, he established the Anti-Scam Command to integrate scam investigation, incident response, intervention, enforcement and sense-making capabilities into a single unit.
Under his leadership, Singapore has maintained its status as one of the world’s safest cities, with Gallup’s 2025 Global Safety Report ranking Singapore as the safest country globally (with 98% of residents sharing that they felt safe walking alone at night). These sentiments were echoed in the SPF’s 2024 Public Perception Survey (with 97% of respondents indicating trust in the Force).
Change of Command
CP How brings extensive experience to his new role. Previously DC (Policy), he has held various leadership appointments, including DC (Investigation and Intelligence) and Director of the CID, Director of the Operations Department and Senior Director of the Policy Development Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
As DC (Policy), CP How helped drive technological transformation in the SPF, particularly the adoption of artificial intelligence to strengthen capabilities in investigation, crime prevention and detection. He also led the review of the SPF’s service delivery strategy and steered the transformation of its public-facing services, resulting in significant enhancements in the public experience of interacting with the SPF.
CP How also led major operations, including the security arrangements for the 2018 Trump-Kim Summit and the 2023 anti-money laundering operation that resulted in the arrest of 10 foreign nationals and the seizure of assets worth about S$3 billion.
On his appointment as CP, CP How said, “I am honoured and humbled to be given the responsibility of leading the SPF, and I do so with a deep sense of duty and commitment to serve Singapore. I look forward to working closely with our officers, partners and the community to keep Singapore safe and secure.”
The Force thanks former CP Hoong for his decades of loyal service and inspiring leadership. With a foundation built on innovation, public trust and operational excellence, our officers stand ready to meet future challenges whilst honouring the SPF’s legacy, in order to fulfil its mission to prevent, deter and detect crime.
