Exploring the Role of Surveillance and Trust in Singapore’s Safety
Drop by any hawker centre during lunchtime, and you’ll notice an interesting phenomenon: tissue packets, umbrellas, water bottles, and bags left unattended on tables, seemingly guarding their owners’ seats. In general, Singaporeans don’t have to be overly concerned about their belongings; things tend to stay where they are left. Most of the time.
However, a recent incident at a community library in Boon Lay revealed a darker side of this assumption. The chairman of Boon Lay View’s residents’ network, known only as Hengster Kor, set up a community library with books and shelves donated by neighbors. But less than a day after its setup, two shelves were stolen, and by Wednesday, all the books had vanished. Strangely, they were returned hours later.
Despite the setback, Kor expressed optimism, stating that he hoped it was an honest mistake. Although many suggested installing CCTV cameras to prevent future thefts, Kor felt that doing so would undermine the purpose of creating a common space built on trust. Yet, this leaves us wondering: is Kor being too idealistic?
In Singapore, community initiatives often hinge on mutual trust and goodwill. For example, in January, a family in Siglap set up a vending machine outside their home, offering free drinks to delivery personnel and drivers on an honor system. The project appears to be running smoothly. However, not all initiatives are so successful.
Take, for instance, the Sharella umbrella-sharing project launched in 2017. The idea was simple: set up small kiosks near MRT stations stocked with umbrellas for pedestrians to borrow on rainy days. However, on its launch day, all 20 umbrellas were stolen, and the thefts continued until 2019. Despite this, the initiative persists, with residents replacing stolen umbrellas.
When such projects fail, the call for CCTV cameras becomes louder, with some residents suggesting that their presence could deter theft. This raises a critical question: can we trust each other when CCTV cameras aren’t watching?
Singapore is often praised for its safety, ranking first in Gallup’s Law and Order Index for seven consecutive years. It’s not uncommon to see laptops left unattended in cafes or tables saved with phones. However, the question arises: is this sense of security more a result of ubiquitous surveillance than the inherent graciousness of Singaporeans?
With 18.04 cameras per 1,000 people, Singapore is one of the most surveilled cities globally. The installation of police cameras has been a major factor in reducing crime, with over 5,000 cases solved since their introduction in 2012. The presence of CCTVs has contributed to a drop in rates of housebreaking and theft from motor vehicles. Yet, while cameras are effective in reducing crime, they also raise concerns about privacy and control.
The installation of CCTVs is tightly regulated in Singapore, with residents prohibited from installing cameras outside their flats due to concerns over “unreasonable interference.” However, the state-run cameras are expanding rapidly, with over 90,000 expected to be installed by 2030.
Despite the benefits of surveillance, the question remains: is Singapore’s safety due to the natural graciousness of its people or the widespread presence of surveillance? Until the CCTVs are removed, we may never truly know the answer.
