May 16, 2008
AFP COMMISSIONER RECEIVES TOP AWARD
The Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus has congratulated the Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty, on receiving Singapore’s Distinguished Service Order.
“The award is usually reserved for citizens of Singapore but may be given to someone outside the country in circumstances where distinguished conduct has been shown,” Mr Debus said.
“It’s an honour for Australia’s top police officer to be recognised for his significant contribution in strengthening the working relationship between the AFP and Singapore’s Police Force and I congratulate the Commissioner.”
The joint work has included:
- Signing the Memorandum of Understanding to Combat Transnational Crime and Developing Police Cooperation in June 2005.
- Continuing the annual International Management of Serious Crime course in Singapore.
- Since 2003, co-hosting the Integrated Narcotics Enforcement Program with Singapore’s Central Narcotic Bureau. This program assists other ASEAN countries with an anti-drug strategy and framework for combating drug abuse.
The President of the Republic of Singapore Mr Sellapan Ramanathan will present the order to Commissioner Keelty in Singapore today.
Mr Keelty has previously been given an award by Indonesia in recognition of the history of the AFP’s cooperation with the INP, particularly the support provided during the 2002 Bali bombing investigation.
The Commissioner was also awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service in 1996.
Media Contact: Samantha Wills 0448 721 372