Police Emergency SMS Sender ID Changes to 70999 in Singapore

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has announced a significant change regarding the police emergency SMS service. Starting from October 1, the current sender ID "71999" will be replaced with a new ID, "70999". This change is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) initiative to standardize the sender IDs used across various departments within the Home Team. The goal is to make it easier for the public to recognize and remember messages from the Home Team, thereby enhancing public safety and reducing the risk of scams where fraudsters impersonate Home Team officers.

The police emergency SMS service was introduced in 2016 as a part of Singapore's SGSecure movement. This service is particularly beneficial for individuals who may find it unsafe to make phone calls in emergency situations. It also serves those who are deaf, mute, or have speech impairments, allowing them to reach out for police assistance when needed.

In addition to the police, other departments within the Home Team, such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), also utilize SMS sender IDs. For example, the SCDF uses the sender ID "70995" for its 995 emergency call service. This consistency in sender IDs across different departments is expected to streamline communication and improve public awareness.

Since July 1, Singapore government agencies have been using a unified SMS sender ID, "gov.sg", for one-way communication with the public. However, the nature of emergency services, such as the police emergency SMS, requires two-way communication to effectively assist those in need.

For non-emergency situations, the public is encouraged to utilize alternative methods to report incidents. Options include the i-Witness platform or the e-services available on the SPF website and the Police@SG app. These tools provide a convenient way for citizens to lodge police reports without the need for immediate police interaction.

The change in the police emergency SMS sender ID to "70999" is a proactive step towards enhancing public safety and communication. By making it easier for citizens to identify legitimate messages from the police, the SPF aims to protect the community from potential scams. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for emergency services to adapt and ensure that they remain accessible and effective for all members of society.