Retired Commissioner, Mr Goh Yong Hong started the discussion rolling: "I felt in 1976 that a regular police magazine was a necessity, not an option. It had to reflect the latest developments of the Force and give our men a better understanding of the Force's policies and at the same time highlight recreational and welfare activities within the Force."

"Such a magazine had the potential to become more than an in-house chronicle of events - it could ultimately reflect the Force's aspirations and achievements to the outside world. I entrusted this task to Daniel Tan."

Daniel Tan, currently with American Express, began the magazine from scratch with help from his dedicated team of part-time NSmen.

"It was a challenge. I was always keen to work in a creative field. Though it was far from the conventional policeman's job, I was excited. To me and I am sure the rest, Police Life was like our baby and we are proud of it," said Daniel.

He added: "I had barely any publishing experience and an arduous task ahead. I searched through PNS records and handpicked a team to help me. The management, especially Mr Goh was very supportive and we managed to turn the idea into a magazine in a matter of two months to launch our maiden issue in August 1976."

Before we began shooting our pioneers with questions (which we were most eager to do) on their feelings today that Police Life has turned 21, Siva and Daniel brought us on a walk down memory lane.

Police Life
"Until 1976, there had been sporadic attempts to create a police magazine but these early ad hoc versions of Police Life had been produced on an "as and when needed" basis," recalled Siva.

"The contents, editorial style and design depended on whoever was in charge of the publication at that moment, there was no consistent editorial policy and no permanent editorial team to give the magazine a proper sense of direction," continued Daniel.

"There was a variety of reasons for the lack of interest in starting a regular police magazine," added Siva, "firstly, some thought that running a magazine, even though about "policing", wasn't really a "traditional" police task. Secondly, the Force had many other more pressing matters to attend to such as major changes in operations and management.

"Thirdly, even if officers could be spared to run a magazine, would they be able to produce one of decent standard considering their lack of journalistic training? How could such a project be funded? What tangible benefits could it show to justify expenditure?" revealed Daniel, " these were the worries that went through management's mind when they contemplated the idea of the magazine."

"However, former Commissioner Mr Goh Yong Hong, who in 1975 was an Assistant Commissioner, saw things in a different light," continued Daniel.

"A regular police magazine would keep officers informed of developments in other departments, divisions and units, facilitating a useful exchange of ideas and methods," agreed Siva, "and the magazine would cover not only professional matters but welfare, sports, recreation, and personal achievements, it would strengthen esprit de corps and develop a greater sense of corporate pride among officers at all levels.

"Lastly, such a magazine would surely become an archive of the progress and aspirations of the Police Force you can clearly see today," said Daniel amidst firm nods of approval.