Police and detective TV shows often depict gruesome crime scenes in graphic detail, but there is one aspect they can never convey: the smell.
“You can look away to avoid the sight but you cannot stop breathing to avoid the smell,” says Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Fong Shi Yi, who is currently a Senior Investigation Officer with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
“Death scenes are traumatising, not just for the public but even for Police officers,” says DSP Fong, who investigates the most serious crimes – from kidnappings to homicides. “The smell is a lot worse than the sight. We spend hours at the crime scene, so it can really get to us psychologically.”
Even as the pungent odours attack her nostrils, DSP Fong remains focused on ensuring each case will have a fair and just outcome. She blocks out all distractions to examine every piece of evidence at the crime scene.
“As much as we race against time, we cannot be ha sty about the investigations. The case must be watertight. The crime scene is critical in helping us understand the incident, why it happened, how it happened. We have to appreciate every corner of it as part of our fact-finding process,” she explains. “For example, even if it seems very clear at a murder scene that there is one assailant, one victim and one weapon, we still have to hypothesise how the incident could have unfolded in a logical manner.
“Thankfully, as challenging as it sounds, it is always all-hands-on-deck; we tap on the collective experience of our team to ensure there are no blind spots in our analysis and investigations.”
DSP Fong’s methodical approach is rooted in her lifelong passion for science. Having studied triple sciences at NUS High School of Math and Science, she later earned a double degree in biochemistry and biology as well as a master’s in chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania on the Singapore Government Scholarship (SGS) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Uniformed Scholarship. This scientific foundation shapes how she approaches each case.
“My academic and research experience taught me how to tackle complex issues by organising my thought process,” she explains. “In research, every data point proves a hypothesis. It works the same way for investigations: You need to remain objective and let the evidence guide you.”
Her analytical mindset shines through in every aspect of her work. Just as she once enjoyed solving puzzles and Rubik’s Cubes, she now applies that same systematic thinking to piecing together evidence at crime scenes. But her work goes beyond pure logic – her extroverted nature and desire to help others makes her especially effective at gathering testimonies and understanding cases from multiple angles.
When applying for the SGS, she chose SPF because it would let her make a direct impact on the community.
The scholarship not only provided her with the opportunity to pursue her studies overseas, exposing her to a vastly different education system and culture, but it also opened the door to invaluable internship opportunities that shaped her professional journey.
One such experience was her internship with SPF’s Operations Department in 2015, which reinforced her decision to join the Force. During her internship, she was exposed to the organisation’s problem-solving culture while supporting the security planning for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
DSP Fong saw how Police officers meticulously planned and executed every security measure and contingency plan. She says: “I saw how plans were painstakingly drafted, corrected, and drafted again, and finally, the plans came into fruition. As a result, there were no major incidents during the SEA Games.”
Over the past five years, DSP Fong pounded different police beats. She started off walking the ground as a Ground Response Force officer at Yishun South Neighbourhood Police Centre and went on to investigate general crime and property and violent offences as an Investigation Officer at Woodlands Police Division.
DSP Fong acknowledged that Police intervention, while necessary, may not always offer a perfect solution for an offender’s rehabilitation. Multiple stakeholders had to be involved, including a deep commitment by the offender, to achieve a positive outcome.
For instance, DSP Fong handled a case involving a student who had committed a slew of criminal offences, including violent offences against his schoolmates. For the safety of the victims, the student had to be removed from school and placed under close supervision at home.
“In research, every data point proves a hypothesis. It works the same way for investigations: You need to remain objective and let the evidence guide you.”
– DSP Fong Shi Yi, recipient of the Singapore Government Scholarship under the MHA Uniformed Scholarship
“While investigations were ongoing, having the student in school was not viable due to his persistently egregious conduct, and because the school environment would place him in close contact with his victims, which may jeopardise their safety and learning,” says DSP Fong. “But removing him from school meant removing any semblance of structure in his life. There was no perfect solution for his rehabilitation as we had to consider the needs of the other students.”
Despite the best efforts of the parents, school and social workers, the student struggled with complying with authorities. While on suspension, he committed other offences despite being repeatedly warned by the Police. He was placed in a detention facility and eventually sentenced to reformative training for his offences.
“Investigation is not just about enforcement but about bringing together all parties to guide the best path forward,” DSP Fong reflects. “These less-than-ideal outcomes help me appreciate how the Police can better collaborate with other agencies so that we can provide more holistic solutions for persons under investigation.”
For any Police case, Investigation Officers are the sole point of contact for all parties involved. The role demands constant multitasking – managing ongoing investigations while fielding inquiries from anxious stakeholders and coordinating operations.
Yet, despite these physical and emotional demands, the work offers immense satisfaction through its impact on lives. “The difference you make often extends beyond what is immediately visible, sometimes even changing lives for the better,” she says.
Working under constant pressure and confronting the many facets of society have shaped DSP Fong’s mindset. Beyond developing resilience, she has gained a new perspective on what truly matters.
“The job has helped me prioritise what is important, especially after what I have seen in society. I have learnt to treasure my time with my family and friends as life can be short and full of uncertainties,” she says.
| About the SPF Scholarship The Singapore Police Force Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the Public Service Commission (PSC) to candidates who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and have a strong interest in policing work. Scholars will continue their learning journeys in world-renowned universities which provide intellectually, socially and personally enriching programmes. Upon graduation, scholars will be involved in shaping policies that address issues on public law and order as well as play an integral role in protecting the country and its communities. |
This article is brought to you by the Singapore Police Force.
