PSS304 Psychological Perspective to Public Safety Tutor Marked Assignment 01, 2026, Singapore

PSS304 Tutor Marked Assignment 01

This Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA01) assesses the following course learning outcomes:

Marks allocation at a glance

This Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA01) is worth 50% of the final mark for PSS304 Psychological Perspective to Public Safety

The word count for this assignment is 2,200 words. (Do not exceed or fall below the word limit by more than 10 per cent).

Submission Instructions

Due Date: 15/09/2026 11:55pm  

Submit your report together with your cover page, in a single file (saved as MS word file), to the submission link titled [TMA01].

Assignment Tasks

Read the TWO (2) case studies below and answer the questions that follow.

Case Study 1: Superintendent (Sup) Daniel Chen

Superintendent Daniel Chen leads a central division responsible for managing rising cyberenabled scams in the Singapore Police Force (SPF). Known for his strong command presence, charisma, and clear strategic vision, he adopts a predominantly directive leadership approach, making swift command decisions with minimal team consultation during high-risk operations.

During a large-scale scam operation involving multiple victims and cross-border elements, Supt Chen centralised decision-making, issued clear operational directives, and enforced strict compliance with established procedures. His team successfully executed multiple arrests within a short timeframe, and the operation was recognised with the Commendation Award (Gold).

However, some officers reported feeling excluded from the decision-making process and were hesitant to raise ground-level concerns. Supt Chen places less emphasis on team morale and development, tending instead to prioritise operational efficiency, control, and task completion over consultation and engagement.

Case Study 2: Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Aisha Rahman

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Aisha Rahman oversees a multi-agency emergency response unit responsible for disaster preparedness and crisis coordination in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). She adopts a collaborative and adaptive leadership style, frequently engaging stakeholders across agencies. She also views herself as a steward leader who prioritises serving and empowering her team.

During a recent major fire at Q Shopping Mall, LTC Rahman coordinated response efforts across SCDF, police, healthcare services, and community partners. She encouraged ground teams to provide real-time feedback, adjusted strategies in response to evolving conditions, and empowered team leaders to make localised decisions.

LTC Rahman places strong emphasis on team well-being, continuous learning, and shared responsibility. While her approach fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation, some stakeholders have observed that decision-making may be slower in time-sensitive situations due to extensive consultation. Her supervisor has also noted that she can be less assertive when firm or immediate decisions are required.

Assignment Questions

Question 1a

Compare and evaluate the leadership approaches demonstrated by Supt Daniel Chen and LTC Aisha Rahman. In your answer, apply and compare relevant leadership theories to explain their leadership attributes and effectiveness in public safety and security contexts.

Your discussion should examine:

• how the two leaders reflect different leadership theories and styles;
• the key attributes of effective leaders demonstrated in each case; and
• the strengths and limitations of their approaches in routine and crisis situations.

(50 marks)

Question 1b

Using psychological theories, analyse the leadership challenges faced by Supt Chen and LTC Rahman. Recommend strategies to improve their conflict management and communication effectiveness.

(30 marks)

Question 2

Produce an A4-sized infographic to educate newly appointed public safety officers on effective conflict management strategies in a chosen scenario.

Choose ONE (1) scenario such as:

• crowd tension during a national event
• dispute escalating at a checkpoint or airport
• aggressive behaviour on public transport
• neighbourhood disorder or public nuisance
• confrontation during emergency evacuation
• public member hostility toward frontline officers
• conflict arising during queue control or access restrictions
• inter-group tensions in public spaces
• workplace conflicts

Your infographic should include the following information:

• Explain the causes of conflict in the chosen scenario;
• Recommend effective conflict management or de-escalation strategies;
• Provide practical lessons relevant to newly appointed officers

Please note: Your submission may be selected for publication on the SHBS Instagram account or other official school social media platforms.

(20 marks)

—– End of Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA01) Paper —–