SINGAPORE - Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Tan Chye Hee assumed command of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as its new director on Wednesday.
The 41-year-old replaces Deputy Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck, 51, who will become Commissioner of Police on Jan 6 next year.
Mr Tan, who was previously Director of the Police Intelligence Department, has served in the Police Force for 18 years. He was awarded the SPF Overseas Scholarship in 1992 and has held various key appointments, including Director Planning and Organisation Department, Deputy Director CID and Commander Ang Mo Kio Police Division.
He had also served in the Ministry of Home Affairs as Senior Director (Policy and Operations) and the Registrar of Societies.
In a statement, Mr Tan said he hopes to build on the excellent work done by Mr Hoong and aims to "synergise the two key areas of investigation and intelligence", given his experience in leading the Police Intelligence unit.
As the new director, Mr Tan sees the need to "constantly attract good people to join the investigation fraternity, officers who are passionate about investigation", he said.
"Secondly, the complexion of crime is ever evolving. The investigation fraternity will face new investigative demands arising from challenges such as cyber-crimes and highly complex transnational organised crimes," he added. "We need to continue with our efforts to deepen the competencies of investigators to combat such crimes and collaborate closely with our foreign law enforcement counterparts. We will work hard to keep Singapore safe."
Outgoing director Mr Hoong, who has led CID for the past four years, said: "My greatest gain was the privilege I had in working closely with the dedicated group of CID officers, whom I have seen made many personal sacrifices in the persistent pursuit of justice.
"My stint as Director CID has been one which I find truly fulfilling and an enriching experience," added Mr Hoong who had held various key appointments, including that of commander of Bedok Police Division and director of Police Intelligence.
