When the Police Act of 1856 came into operation on 1 January 1857, Dunman became the first full-time Commissioner of Police. He also fought for better working conditions and wages, shorter hours and a pension scheme. By 1846, he had established rules and regulations for officers to adhere to, drew patrol sector boundaries and introduced a standard uniform for use. Working tirelessly to improve the Force, he raised the calibre of policemen by stressing on discipline amongst officers. © Donald Davies, "More Old Singapore", 1956įollowing an urgent public meeting in February 1843 to discuss measures to fight rampant crime, Mr Thomas Dunman was assigned the twin portfolio of Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Superintendent of Police. Thomas Dunman, the first Commissioner of Police. Further exacerbating the problem was the lack of proper supervision in the police force and poor morale among the rank-and-file officers. The development of the legal institutions could not keep pace with the growing population. Singapore, with its largely poverty-stricken immigrant population and pirate ships threatening maritime trade faced high crime rates in its early years. The police force in Singapore came under the command of the Resident Councillor John Prince. In 1826, Singapore became incorporated into the Straits Settlements. Special Developments / Special Infrastructures.Theft Of Bicycle and Personal Mobility Devices.National Police Cadet Corps Inspectors and Honorary Officers.Volunteer Special Constabulary Community.Industry Safety and Security Watch Group.Singapore Police Bicentennial 2020 Medal.