● The population of Singapore grew significantly from 150 in 1819 to around 6,000

in 1821, with continued influx of settlers thereafter.

● A 1911 census revealed that the population spoke 57 different languages.
● As migration and trade increased, so did crimes like robberies and murders,
posing a challenge to maintaining law and order.
● Law enforcement in early Singapore was weak due to a small police force
consisting of only a chief police officer, a writer, a jailor, a European sergeant,
and eight Asian policemen.
● In 1843, concerned traders held a public meeting and urged the Governor to
establish a stronger police force.
● Consequently, Thomas Dunman was appointed as Deputy Magistrate and
Deputy Superintendent of Police, and eventually became Singapore's first
full-time Commissioner of Police in 1857.
● Dunman worked tirelessly to attract better recruits, making the force more
appealing and enlarging it, resulting in reduced gang robberies and improved
officer morale.
● Despite Dunman's efforts, crime and disorder remained problematic.
● Serious riots often overwhelmed the outnumbered police force, requiring military
assistance.
● However, by the time Dunman retired in 1871, the quality and effectiveness of
the police officers had improved significantly.
● Reforms continued after his retirement, including the establishment of a police
training school in 1881 and a separate detective force in 1884.
● By the 1930s, technological advancements such as telephones, motor cars, and
radio communications had made the police force more efficient.
● Additionally, professional training through the police cadet system filled senior
posts, resulting in a police force of approximately 2,000 officers, making
Singapore a safer and more peaceful place.