Shadowing two Crimewatch episodes as a production rookie!
By: Shannon Ng
Growing up, I looked forward to each Crimewatch episode, always awed by the action and how efficient the Singapore Police Force (SPF) is at cracking the cases.
As an intern with the Public Affairs Department (PAD), I had the rare opportunity to be on set during the filming of the fifth and sixth episodes of Crimewatch 2025.
Let me take you behind the scenes of Singapore’s longest-running crime prevention programme!
Camera Rolling, Action!
The night before the first day of shoot for the fifth episode, I prepared myself by reading the script to have some sense of what was going to happen.
This episode features a 2023 case where three offenders committed a series of thefts in places of worship, stealing from donation boxes. Their spree ended when vigilant members of the public reported their suspicious behaviour to the Police, leading to their arrest.
The next morning, I arrived at Novena Church for the shoot, feeling excited but nervous. I stood at the side to observe as the production crew set up the scene, which showed three actors playing the offenders loitering around a donation box, waiting the right moment to “fish out” the money.
I watched as the director carefully choreographed the movements of the actors while the cameraman framed the shots. The rest of the crew ensured that every detail was taken care of.
As the camera was about to roll, I was given an earpiece connected to the actors’ microphones. Once filming started, I was amazed that I could hear them so clearly, even though their voices were barely audible to me otherwise. So this is how it feels like to be on set!
My PAD colleague Fara guided me through the scenes on screen, explaining how she ensures the accurate depiction of policing, particularly in scenes featuring uniformed Police officers.
In the afternoon, two uniformed Police officers arrived on set. Decked out in crisp uniforms and spotless gear, they were ready to show the Investigation Officers (IOs) to the crime scene.
“Are those actual officers?” One of the actors asked, peering at the officers with curiosity.
Of course they are! It’s a fact that all uniformed Police officers who appear on Crimewatch are actual officers.
From the moment the camera rolled to watching the playback, my PAD colleague was on high alert as she ensured every detail down to a strand of hair was in place. The attention to detail was truly admirable!
Cut! Good Take!
While my first shoot gave me insights into production, my second shoot, for episode six, brought even more surprises. This time, I was joined by my fellow PAD intern, Jeng Jee.
This episode features a 2024 case where officers successfully intervened and arrested a money mule who collected money from the victim of an investment scam.
At Clementi Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), the production crew was preparing to shoot the scene where the victim and her cousin came to meet the IO, for closure. About 10 minutes after reaching the set, Jeng Jee and I were told to sit in as background actors for a wide shot in the staff canteen.
Jittery but excited, we chatted about random topics as the camera started rolling. This was our debut on national television and we were completely unprepared. After the scene ended, the director stopped by and said with a laugh, “Wah, you both sat so straight!”
Thankfully, we didn’t have to redo the scene, moving on to the next setup at the NPC reception area. Once again, Jeng Jee and I became extras in the background as the actors came to the NPC to make a Police report.
The victim’s cousin was trying to convince her to lodge a Police report, as she was still in denial about being scammed: “Alice, it’s for your own good!”
The actor delivered his line with such vigour that Jeng Jee and I both jumped up from our seats. Somehow, every line, breath and action felt more intense when we were in the scene.
It's a Wrap!
As I wrapped up my time on both shoots, I couldn’t help but reflect on how different Crimewatch is from behind the scenes. As a viewer, I’d only seen the finished product – the dramatic scenes, smooth voiceovers and satisfying arrests. But standing on set for the first time, I realised just how much precision and collaboration goes into making each episode authentic and impactful.
What makes Crimewatch unique is its commitment to authenticity, From IOs who handled the actual cases to the fact that every uniformed officer featured on Crimewatch is a real Police officer (many of whom take time between their regular duties to help keep the show real). Their dedication to policing, both on and off camera, is truly admirable!
Crimewatch 2025, Episode 5: Theft in Dwelling
A trio go on a heist, stealing from donation boxes from various places of worship. But vigilant members of the public discover their ploy. Watch how officers from Ang Mo Kio Division piece together evidence and ultimately bring the offenders to justice.
Crimewatch 2025, Episode 6: Investment Scam; Money Mule Offences
Investment returns that are too good to be true? Check with someone you trust first! A woman falls for an investment scam and hands over her hard-earned money to a money mule. Watch how officers from Clementi Division conduct a successful intervention and arrest the money mule when he comes calling.
Want to know how these episodes turned out? You can view them on meWATCH!
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