Protector of the most vulnerable

It is very helpful to have women officers in the police force, says ACP Choo. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star

IN her line of work, Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) principal assistant director Asst Comm Choo Lily is often exposed to some of the most harrowing and heartbreaking scenes imaginable.

Nevertheless, ACP Choo, who has been with the Royal Malaysia Police Force (PDRM) for nearly four decades, takes it all in her stride with the goal to protect those most in need.

ACP Choo’s unit not only handles, monitors and assists in investigations in cases of interest but D11 also conducts public awareness campaigns and provides specialised training for police officers.

“We must be proactive because our work concerns children. We have to reach out to these children so that they understand the dangers and concerns that they face, ” she says, explaining that D11 is taking extra measures to combat cyber exploitation of children.

“This is something of grave concern for us because the Internet is so easily available to children and there is danger lurking there, ” she tells Sunday Star at a recent interview.

According to ACP Choo, the most important characteristic a police officer needs is empathy.

“People come to the police station because they are facing a problem and require our assistance. You need to be able to put yourself in another person’s shoes and know how they are feeling to give the best service, ” she says.

Since she joined the police force in 1981, ACP Choo has had a varied career, having experienced everything from heading the International Liaison Unit to deal with problems faced by foreign communities in Malaysia and being a member of the narcotics department to holding the position of Subang Jaya deputy OCPD.

“My father was also police personnel. He was rank and file when we were living in Penang. He was the one who encouraged me to join the intake to be an inspector, ” she shares.

Initially, ACP Choo says that she did not know what to expect in becoming a police officer, so she decided to just go with the flow.

“I think having worked all these years, I came to realise that this job suits my personality. I am someone who cannot do a clerical or administrative nine to five job. So it was a blessing in disguise, ” she says.

“I like carrying out investigations. I enjoy being able to find evidence to prove a case, to put somebody away for committing an offence. Particularly when dealing with D11, it is satisfying when we are able to put away perpetrators who have harmed women and children, ” she says.

Acknowledging that gender bias against women in her line of work is still present and that more steps need to be taken to address it, ACP Choo nonetheless acknowledges that there are positive changes happening.

“In PDRM you can see a few lady officers holding top commanding posts, but there are always ways to improve, ” she says.

She also stresses the vital role that women play in the police force.

“In general, the public always reacts very positively when they see a lady police officer because there are not that many of us, ” she explains.

“During investigations as well, many female police officers tend to show a sympathetic and empathetic side, so that helps a lot. Especially when we need to console victims and witnesses, ” she says.

“At the same time, we can be tough when it is expected of us. It is very helpful to have women officers in the police force, ” she says, adding that commitment and discipline are necessary traits for all police officers.

A good way to overcome gender bias, according to ACP Choo, is to carry out one’s job effectively.

“I never want to use my gender as an excuse not to do a job. One way to disprove those who doubt women is to do our jobs properly and show them that we are just as capable, if not better, at carrying out our duties, ” she says.

One valuable lesson that ACP Choo has taken away from her years in the force is the importance of family.

“I have handled so many cases – I’ve investigated drug cases and sexual and child abuse cases. What these cases have taught me is that we should always have time for our family and realise that family is very important, ” she says.

“Most of the issues I’ve seen stem from families not giving proper attention to their children, who then go astray and look for wrong activities. It is very important for us as parents to spend time with our kids, to know what they are doing and talk to them, ” she says.

Asked if she always maintains a stern demeanour even outside working hours, ACP Choo says that she’s a different person when she gets home.

“I’m a very homey person and I’m just happy to be with my family, ” she says cheerfully.