“We live in a haven built with the strength of those who came before us and it is our duty to uphold their legacy and safeguard security for our future generations to live in peace” Our Singapore today is one of the safest countries in the world, yet peace and security have not been achieved without effort. Since our transition from the early colonial days of a trading port to a first world state, the success of our history has depended heavily on the peace and security of life of our citizens in this small nation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayOften, most of our generation, born in a time when security within the country was predominant, are more likely to forget the sacrifices made by our predecessors who laid the foundation of the world's first country in that we live today. Only through the study of history have we come to understand the countless trials they faced with such determination to ensure the stability and future of our nation. Looking back on the lessons learned from the Singapore Police Heritage Centre, I was intrigued by the story of the birth and transformation of our Singapore Police Force and how many heroic individuals have dedicated their lives to forging a society of which they are citizens, regardless of race or from religion. – could live harmoniously in peace. Starting with a small force of 12 members including the Commander, Chief Constable Francis James Bernard, the tremendous growth of our Singapore Police Force is as astonishing as it is admirable. Singapore's first police office was located within the residence of then police chief Francis James Bernard. It was built on the southern bank of the Singapore River in 1823 with a custom-built underground prison intended for criminals. Although insignificant in size and capacity, it was the initial beginning of an administration with the aim of establishing law and order in the country. As Singapore's population grew with the influx of immigrants and the progress of settlement, more police departments specializing in various other responsibilities had to be established. For example, the Marine Police with two sampans and a force of 15 men was established in 1824 to combat piracy from the sea, the Detective Department – ​​which was later renamed the Criminal Investigation Branch – was established in 1886 to suppress secret societies. , the Police Coast Guard was established in 1916 and the Criminal Intelligence Department in 1925. Singapore's history of violent crime dates back to the first Hokkien-Teochew riots involving over 5,000 people in May 1854, started over the simple price of a bag of rice and caused the death of 500 people and damage to 300 homes in a 10-day period. As unfortunate as it was, the riot further exemplified how the initial police forces were incapable of dealing with such conflicts arising from the growth of secret societies. Then, there were the Hock Lee Bus riots in May 1955 resulting in 4 deaths and 31 injuries and more recently the Little India riots in December 2013 with a staggering crowd of over 400 people, leaving 18 injured. The case studies of these crimes further amplify the significant role of the Singapore Police Force in safeguarding peace in this country. Factors that contributed to the rapid growth of secret societies were primarily the government's lack of resources to suppress heinous and audacious crimes committed in broad daylight with little..