COP volunteer Mr Anguru Goutam Raju shares how he balances his public safety duties with a high-tempo career as a commodity trader.
By: Glenn Wong
Balancing a busy career with community service isn’t always easy – but it’s possible.
For Mr Anguru Goutam Raju, a dedicated Citizens on Patrol (COP) volunteer with Punggol Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) since June 2023, it’s about smart integration. I caught up with him and his fellow volunteers on a busy Saturday afternoon at Waterway Point!
Tell us about yourself. What inspired you to become a COP volunteer?
I’m 40 years old and married with two daughters, aged six and 11. I work as a full-time commodity trader, engaging with customers around the region.
I was inspired to join the COP scheme because I strongly believe that community safety is a shared responsibility. I want to play an active role in contributing to a safer Punggol, especially for my family and our neighbours.
Having volunteered at One Punggol Community Club (CC) and Punggol Amore Residents’ Network since December 2023, joining the COP scheme was a natural extension of my desire to contribute.
What does your role as a COP volunteer entail?
I conduct foot patrols with my team in Punggol East and Punggol Central, covering residential areas, public spaces and shopping malls.
During our patrols, we look out for suspicious activities and engage residents on crime prevention, sharing about current scam trends and so on. At malls, we share shop theft prevention tips with shop owners and staff.
As SPF’s ambassadors, we distribute crime prevention materials and share volunteering opportunities with residents at outreach events. In short, our activities help to strengthen bonds between the Police and the community.
How do you balance your professional work with your COP duties?
It requires good time management and setting priorities. I plan my COP activities around my work and personal schedule, conducting patrols after dinner or on weekends. It’s all about integrating my COP duties into my regular daily routine.
What’s your most memorable and fulfilling experience as a COP volunteer?
Being a volunteer has pushed me out of my comfort zone and built my confidence. I’ve also become more vigilant and feel a stronger sense of responsibility for my community’s safety.
My most memorable experience is taking part in Exercise Heartbeat at One Punggol CC in August 2024. During this multi-agency counter-terrorism exercise, I helped to guide members of the public to safety, showing them how to use the SGSecure app and follow the "Run, Hide, Tell" protocol. The experience was intense and eye-opening. It showed me how essential volunteers are in helping the community during a crisis.
What keeps you motivated to continue volunteering?
It’s also deeply encouraging when Punggol residents tell us they feel safer seeing us regularly on patrol.
What advice do you have for those interested in becoming a COP volunteer?
If you’re wondering how to fit COP duties into your busy schedule, my advice is to take that first step with an open heart and willingness to learn. You don’t need any special skills – just a genuine desire to help others and stay vigilant.
Being a COP volunteer connects you to your community in a meaningful way. Every patrol and engagement contribute to a safer, stronger home for all of us.
Volunteers in Blue
In this series, we shine a spotlight on our dedicated volunteers who serve with passion and commitment across various schemes within the Singapore Police Force (SPF). Read about other volunteer stories here.
Ready to embark on a rewarding journey with the SPF and make a difference in the community? Find out how you can join the COP here or visit our website to step up to a career that goes beyond.
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