In a dramatic turn of events that has captured public attention, a man named Goh Chuan Chong has been charged with a weapons offense after seizing a service revolver from a Certis auxiliary police officer, Abraham Lincoln. This incident, which unfolded on August 4, 2024, has raised significant concerns about the security protocols in place for handling firearms by auxiliary police officers in Singapore.
The incident began when Goh allegedly reached out and grabbed the revolver secured in Officer Lincoln's holster. The location was bustling with activity, heightening the urgency of the situation. The police were notified immediately, and a manhunt was launched involving more than 100 officers from various units, including the Criminal Investigation Department and the Special Operations Command. The coordinated effort led to Goh's arrest within hours, and the revolver was recovered without any shots being fired.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Zhang Weihan commented on the incident, stating, "The man involved in the unlawful carrying of a firearm has demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and abused the firearms entrusted to him for his duties. Police officers had worked tirelessly to secure his swift arrest and ensured that public safety was maintained".
Goh Chuan Chong now faces the serious charge of unlawful carrying of a firearm, which carries a potential jail term of up to 14 years and caning if convicted. The severity of the charges underscores the gravity with which Singaporean authorities view offenses involving firearms. Additionally, Goh is set to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to assess his mental state at the time of the incident.
The incident has prompted a thorough review of the security protocols employed by Certis, the security firm responsible for the auxiliary police force. A spokesman for Certis emphasized the company's commitment to stringent security measures, stating, "Certis has put in place stringent systems and processes to detect and deal with such incidents in a timely manner, including a warning system that triggers an alert when a firearm is not returned post-duty. The safety of the public is our utmost priority. Certis has zero tolerance for misuse of firearms and we expect full compliance from our officers to adhere to our strict protocol on weapons and controlled equipment".
This is not an isolated incident. Singapore has seen several cases in recent years where auxiliary police officers have misused their firearms. For example, on April 12, 2021, an off-duty Aetos officer, heavily in debt, robbed a moneylending company in Jurong of more than $24,000 in cash while armed with a revolver. He was arrested within five hours and later sentenced to 16½ years' jail and 18 strokes of the cane . Another notable case occurred on February 15, 2006, when Tan Chor Jin, known as the One-eyed Dragon, shot and killed nightclub owner Lim Hock Soon. Tan was subsequently convicted and sentenced to death .
The public reaction to the recent incident has been one of concern and a call for stricter measures to ensure such events do not recur. Authorities have assured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to review and tighten security protocols. This includes more rigorous training for auxiliary police officers and enhanced monitoring systems to ensure firearms are handled with the utmost care and responsibility.
The incident involving Goh Chuan Chong and the Certis auxiliary police officer has highlighted the need for stringent security measures and protocols in the handling of firearms by auxiliary police officers. While the swift response by the police ensured that public safety was maintained, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks and the importance of constant vigilance and adherence to security protocols.
