Singapore Police to gain Justice Studies degrees

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Senior members of the Singapore Police Force and officers seeking professional development now undertake QUT's Bachelor of  Justice (International Policing) degrees as a result of ongoing collaboration between QUT and the Singapore Police Force.

Members of the Singapore Police Force holding Advanced Diplomas in Police Studies from Temasek Polytechnic will, upon the successful completion of three semesters of part time study be awarded the QUT Justice degree.

The course, which first began in late 2001, offers Singapore Police officers the opportunity to undertake a specially designed suite of units delivered by School of Justice staff in Singapore.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Khoo Boon Hui and the Dean of QUT's Faculty of Law, Professor Cope signed the agreement at a special ceremony in 2001.

Professor Cope said QUT was approached by Temasek Polytechnic in 1997 seeking advanced standing for their students. After reviewing their programs we agreed to provide course material and teaching assistance for an advanced diploma in police studies. The QUT degree is designed with special relevance to the understanding and prevention of crime in South East Asia.

"The Faculty has specifically designed a major in International Policing to enable the awarding of the QUT Bachelor of Justice (International Policing) to members of the Singapore Police Force who complete the program," Professor Cope said. "This will fill a gap in programs available to the Singapore Police arising out of a lack of specialised program in Justice or Police Studies at degree level locally."

The now former Head of the School of Justice, Mr Michael Barnes said at the time of the launch that the arrangement would benefit the school, the university and Queensland's relationship with Singapore. "The government of Singapore, has since independence, placed great store on tertiary education," Mr Barnes said. "Until now, Singapore police officers wishing to gain tertiary education have attended prestigious universities in England and the U.S." This arrangement signifies confidence by the command of the police service that QUT can offer equally meritorious programs." The units the School is offering focus on Asian economic crime, global crime trends and the psychology of offending and investigating and so are of direct relevance to the work of the Singapore police officers. "However it is likely that our staff will also benefit from the different perspectives of the Singapore police students and senior officers we will be working with." Mr Barnes said.