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While most associate Traffic Police (TP) officers with roadblocks and the issuing of summons for traffic offences, Sergeant (Sgt) Nur Sarah Binte Abdul Rahman’s role as a TP Patrol Officer goes far beyond that.

Three years into her posting with the TP Patrol Unit, she reflects on the moments that shaped her – and why keeping Singapore’s roads safe is anything but routine.

Her Journey and Role

Sgt Sarah didn't always picture herself in uniform, but since joining the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 2023, she hasn’t looked back. “I was drawn to the SPF because I wanted a meaningful career where I could serve the community and make a difference,” she shares. “It started as an interest, but over time, I felt that the path naturally aligned with my values and purpose.”

As a TP Patrol Officer, her days are spent patrolling the roads, managing traffic incidents and taking enforcement action against errant road users – though she’s quick to point out that enforcement is only part of the picture.

“A common misconception is that TP officers only issue summons,” she says. “In reality, a big part of our job is to educate road users on traffic laws and keep the roads safe for everyone.”

Sgt Sarah explains that during enforcement duties, officers often engage motorists who commit traffic violations to explain to them the risks and consequences of their actions.

The Emotional Side No One Talks About

When Sgt Sarah first started out as an officer, she knew the work would be operational. What she didn’t expect was the emotional weight that came with it.

Attending to traffic accidents early in her career quickly shifted her perspective, showing her how a single decision on the road could have life-changing consequences.

One case that has stayed with her involved a drunk driver who’d crashed into a couple on a motorcycle. Sadly, the female pillion rider was pregnant at the time. “Seeing how one reckless decision put multiple lives at risk was a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drink driving,” she recalls.

For Sgt Sarah, it was a defining moment – one that made clear exactly why her work matters. “It reinforced that our role is not just to enforce, but to prevent harm and safeguard lives,” she reflects.

Driven by Purpose

Every shift calls for quick thinking, sound judgment and the ability to find solutions on the spot. At the same time, she has to manage road users and work through Singapore’s tropical weather and late nights without compromising on professionalism.

Despite these demands, knowing that her work helps prevent accidents and save lives is enough to carry her through even the longest shifts. “That sense of purpose reminds me why this role matters,” she says.

Consideration Goes Both Ways

When asked what she’d want every road user in Singapore to know, her answer is simple. “Small gestures make big differences – letting someone merge during heavy traffic, slowing down at school and silver zones, or giving motorcyclists extra space in wet weather,” she says. “These moments of consideration help ensure we all reach our destinations safely.”

Off duty, Sgt Sarah recharges by going for a good run to clear her mind and spending quality time with her family and friends. “It's important to have that balance outside of work,” she says.

What the Road has Taught Her

For those considering a career with the SPF, Sgt Sarah has this advice: “Stay grounded and open-minded. This job teaches you to handle pressure and work with people from all walks of life. You’ll grow through every experience."

For Sgt Sarah, policing has also taught her the meaning behind SPF’s core values – Courage, Loyalty, Integrity and Fairness. These are principles that she lives out on the ground every day.

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