SINGAPORE: The Singapore Police Force has opened a new channel of communication which will allow the hearing- or speech-impaired to make police reports through the Short Messaging Service (SMS).

One has to be registered through five voluntary welfare organisations such as the Canossian School for the Hearing Impaired and the Singapore Association for the Deaf.

The others include the Disability Information and Referral Centre, the Singapore School for the Visually Handicapped and TOUCH Silent Club.

One simply needs to key the message on a mobile phone and send it to 70999. Once the message is received at the call centre, it will show up on the computer screens.

There are now 253 registered users. The people running the system said the number could reach about 7,000 when more people register. Non-registered users using this service will get a message advising them to dial 999.

Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng, who helped launch the new initiative at this year's Police Workplan Seminar on Monday, said it is one of the ways the Police have responded to community needs.

Speaking to about 800 officers, he reminded them that one of their key tasks is searching for Jemaah Islamiah escapee Mas Selamat Kastari.

Mr Wong said: "The Police must continue to be vigilant, agile and resilient. We must watch out for emerging threats and have the nimbleness to react quickly to environmental changes.

"When faced with a setback, we must be able to take criticisms in our strides, learn from the setback, and strengthen our commitment to pursue our mission."

Mr Wong also told officers that while Singapore welcomes big international events such as the Formula One Grand Prix, the Youth Olympics and the opening of the integrated resorts, officers must remain alert to terrorism threats and the influx of criminal elements.

Looking back at the past year, Mr Wong said 2007 saw an overall drop in crime rates to less than 700 per 100,000 population as compared to the 742 cases per 100,000 population in 2006. - CNA/vm