The Singapore Police Force issued a statement responding to former policewoman Reema Razif’s Facebook post recounting her experiences and struggles on the job.
Here is what they said
POLICE STATEMENT
In response to media queries, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) would like to respond to an online post by “Reema Razif”, and her account of her experience working in the SPF. Reema resigned from the SPF on 2 May 2022 for personal reasons.
The SPF builds fair and progressive workplaces for our employees. Many of our female officers excel in their career, balancing work and family responsibilities.
The SPF does not penalise officers who are pregnant and instead, provides alternative work arrangements to ensure their well-being. During Reema’s four pregnancies between 2016 and 2021, she was given light duty assignments that were primarily desk-bound. Reema was not asked to work while she was on paid maternity leave.
Reema received a performance grade similar to many of her colleagues in the Police Land Division, while she was in service.
The SPF takes a firm stance against workplace discrimination practices. There are avenues for SPF officers to raise complaints on discriminatory workplace practices to their unit Commander, Police Headquarters (HQ) or the Ministry HQ, and such complaints are looked into seriously.
Reema wrote about her police work on her social media account in April 2020. Existing Public Sector rules disallow officers from commenting on issues relating to their own agency or policies they are involved in, without prior authorisation. Reema was thus advised accordingly by her supervisor for not seeking clearance for her post, but she was not penalised for the incident.
We thank Reema for her contributions to the SPF and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
Statement from Reema
I am overwhelmed by all the unconditional love & support from every single one of you. This was truly unexpected. You took your time to msg me, to comment and many of you even shared with me your personal experiences. Through this, I learned that many, many, many women and even men, went through or are going through similar ordeals as I did.
I hope with this, some light is shone and only good things will come moving forward. And to those who left before me, you made me feel reassured and hopeful.
I am very grateful for all of you who have been so kind and gracious towards me. I believe I have individually replied to everyone and if I haven’t, do accept my apology as I may have overlooked it.
Ironically now, I feel exceptionally appreciated & definitely acknowledged. You all gave me my farewell card, a VERY BIG one.
My heart is full & it is because of you.
Sincerely, Thank You.