SPF scores a win in the “Best Innovative Idea in Security and Law Enforcement” category at the World Police Summit Awards! Here’s how we’re making police services smarter and bringing them closer to you.
By: Glenn Wong
Ever wondered what the police centre of the future looks like?
It's already here at Woodleigh Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), where a pioneering spirit is redefining community policing.
This innovative approach has attracted global accolades. At the 2025 World Police Summit in Dubai, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) clinched third place in the "Best Innovative Idea in Security and Law Enforcement" awards.
This marks the SPF's first award at this prestigious event, which saw submissions from international law enforcement agencies.
“This global recognition validates our commitment to community-first innovation,” says Superintendent of Police (Supt) Sabrina Wong, Commanding Officer of Woodleigh NPC. “It affirms that our efforts to enhance public service and operational efficiency are truly world-class.”
A New Way to Serve Residents
Opened in July 2023, Woodleigh NPC is the first NPC in Singapore to be co-located with a shopping mall and the first with fully unmanned counter services.
When you visit Woodleigh NPC today, you'll find yourself in a welcoming space where Self-Help Kiosks bring police services to your fingertips. If you need further assistance, officers are just a call away.
The Self-Help Kiosks also frees up valuable police resources, allowing officers to attend to more urgent and emergency cases.
Complementing the kiosk is the Found Property Dropbox, which offers the public a streamlined solution for returning found items.
Previously, residents had to see a Police officer who’d record their details, lodge a report and secure the property.
The Found Property Dropbox automates this, allowing residents to return found property at any time.
Supt Wong, who took over as Commanding Officer in October 2024, shares that feedback from residents has been positive. “With no more queuing needed, residents are better able to return found property to us,” she says.
This convenience has a wider impact on community safety. “When police services are easily accessible, residents become more active partners in keeping our neighbourhoods safe,” Supt Wong explains.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
The spirit of innovation extends to internal operations at Woodleigh NPC. The Automated Armoury System (AAS) and Automated Equipping System (AES) streamline officers’ access to gear and armaments. Such systems allow our frontline officers to be mission-ready in minutes.
The AES uses weight sensors with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tech to issue and receive police equipment, eliminating the need for a maintenance officer.
The AAS, which was jointly developed with the Home Team Science and Technology Agency, transforms armament access for officers, replacing a manual process and allows multiple officers to quickly withdraw and return firearms using RFID tech and two-factor authentication at the same time.
“The time that was previously required to queue and withdraw weapons and equipment can now be spent on better serving the community,” Supt Wong explains.
The AES is currently operational in 30 of 34 NPCs and will reach full deployment by June 2026. Similarly, the AAS, now in use at four NPCs, will be rolled out progressively to the rest of the NPCs by December 2027.
Shaping the Future
Woodleigh NPC serves as a model for providing the public with convenient access to digital policing services while raising operational efficiency through the use of tech. For the Woodleigh NPC team, receiving the World Police Summit Award is a great honour.
“It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work by my team and our predecessors,” Supt Wong shares. “We’re proud to contribute to the SPF and Singapore by shining bright on the international stage.”
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