Timeline
- 1820 Establishment of the Singapore Police Force 1820 - 1826
- 1826 The police force expands to fight rising crime in a flourishing town 1826 - 1872
- 1872 Modernisation under the Straits Settlements Police Force 1872 - 1942
- 1946 Restoring order in the aftermath of war 1946 - 1959
- 1959 Safeguarding the Nation’s future 1959-1965
- 1965 Securing the new Nation 1965-1983
- 1983 Partnering the community in the fight against crime 1983 - 2001
- 2001 Developing new capabilities for a new era 2001 - Present

Birth of a New Nation
Officers responding to the MacDonald House bombing in 1965. It was instigated by Indonesian saboteurs during Konfrontasi. © SPH
Singapore attained self-governance in 1959. In 1963, Singapore merged with Malaysia. The young nation faced many threats to its security, and had to work to build up its defences, institutions and people in order to safeguard its future. Factions against the merger stirred up racial and communal violence, with the worst riots occurring in July and September 1964. Singapore was also subject to spate of bombings carried out by Indonesian saboteurs during the Indonesian Confrontation against Malaysia between 1963 and 1966. The Vigilante Corps was formed in May 1964 amidst the precarious situation. Over 10,000 people from all walks of life registered to help the police in street patrols against saboteurs.

Officers in the 1950s vs today. They remain committed to keeping Singapore safe. Source: SPF