“Discipline,” that single word echoes through the grounds of the Old Police Academy. This academy once stood as the proud training ground for Singapore’s finest. The Old Police Academy is now a silent witness to a bygone era. Let’s step back in time and uncover the story of this significant site.
The Old Police Academy first opened its doors in 1929. Back then it was known as the Police Depot. This location became the permanent home for police training. The academy underwent several name changes over the years. It was renamed the Police Training School in 1945. During Singapore’s brief union with Malaysia from 1963 to 1965 it was known as Sekolah Latihan Polis. After Singapore’s independence, it reverted to its former name.
In 1969, the Police Training School became the Singapore Police Academy. Minister for Interior and Defence Lim Kim San officiated the ceremony on August 2nd, 1969. The Singapore Police Academy handled the operational side of training. Staff functions fell under the Police Training Department. These two entities merged in 1997 to form the Training Command. The name “Police Academy” remained a common reference to the training campus.
For many years the Old Police Academy served as the primary training institute. It was the heart of the Singapore Police Force’s Training Command. In December 2005 most of the academy’s functions moved. They relocated to the new Home Team Academy in Choa Chu Kang. The Old Police Academy was officially closed.
Today parts of the Old Police Academy are being demolished. This makes way for the upcoming Mount Pleasant MRT station. There are also plans for future housing redevelopment. The land will be repurposed to meet the evolving needs of Singapore.
However, the story of the Old Police Academy is not over. Six buildings within and around the site are slated for conservation. These buildings represent the police force’s historical social and architectural heritage. Four of these buildings were built between 1926 and 1930. They were part of the original Old Police Academy. These include Blocks 1 and 2. These administrative buildings stood at the original main entrance on Whitley Road. They served as landmarks for trainees. They were the backdrop for parades and graduation photos. Blocks 27 and 28 are also on the list. These colonial-style bungalows once housed senior officers. Their unique butterfly-shaped layouts overlook the academy. They are visible from the Pan-Island Expressway.
Authorities plan to adapt these conserved buildings for new uses. A portion of the parade square will also be retained. It will serve as open space within the new housing estate. Even buildings that cannot be fully preserved will have their heritage recognized. Architectural elements may be referenced in new developments. Physical elements might be repurposed as street furniture or markers.
The Old Police Academy’s legacy will live on. It will live on in the memories of those who trained here. It will also live on in the conserved buildings. This ensures that future generations remember the vital role it played in Singapore’s history. The Old Police Academy stands as a reminder of the dedication and service of Singapore’s police force.