Seven Rejections and a Winning Gamble: Singapore Man's Rise to Third-Generation Police Officer

Haji Haisroniezam: The Unstoppable Siren of the Singapore Police Force

We’ve all heard the mantra: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” But when you think about it, who says it? It’s the story of Haji Haisroniezam, a man who took that phrase literally—seven glorious (and futile) attempts before he finally walked into a police badge in 1997 at the tender age of 21.

The Count of Failure

1st attempt: “I think I’ll do that.”
2nd attempt: “Nope, not going to happen.”
…
7th attempt: “We’re really on our way to the dark side.”

Each time Haji stared at the door and imagined the shiny uniform hanging on the wall—only to be left with a polite, “sorry, not this time.”

Eighth Door, Firm Open

When the door finally swung open during the eighth try, it wasn’t just a little triumph; it was a massive celebration. That was the year 1997, and our hero was 21 years old—the modern age of determination, jaw‑waving, and a serious timeline of nailing his dream.

The Tale of the Humungous Rival

During his interview, there was a fellow candidate, clear cut and big‑bodied. He practically looked like a walking gym membership flyer. Haji, on the other hand, was the embodiment of the delicate, slightly long‑hang hook of a friendly “Hi!” with a glass of water in each hand. The interview panel announced, “You’re passing, and you’re…not.”

Haji’s reaction? He needed instant ice cream. He cried out of the parking lot and sat against a wall, wall‑smacked grit, as his mother chanted the mantra: “It isn’t the end of the world. Just do it again.”

The Vibes That Made It All Work

Kiddo ambition = Life‑path determined.
Tenacious soul + self‑motivation = Infinite police dreams.
Kind heart from mom = Reinforcement boot camp.

He shared his journey on Police Day 2022 (June 3), and we collectively took it to heart. Because if anything, his story proves that a roaring heart beats… even when the heart keeps pounding.

Final Word

Haji Haisroniezam’s story has all the ingredients for a “come on, people” narrative. Impossible attempts, tears, breakthrough, and a firm commitment to becoming a police officer. So next time you think of giving up, give him a quick call for some channelling advice.

Third-generation policeman

From Hill‑Up Courts to the Highway

Growing up amid the dust‑thick alleys of the old Pearl’s Hill Police Quarters, Haisroniezam didn’t just inherit a scent of coffee and rubber road; he inherited a whole tradition of duty. He took after his dad, who clocked over three decades of traffic‑police magic, and his two grandfathers—both police men who wore badges with pride.

Family Legacy

Maternal grandpa: Sergeant Muhammad Bin Mahmud, a stalwart in the Police Federal Reserve Unit, hand‑in‑hand with the Gurkha Contingent.
Father: a seasoned Traffic Police Investigator, known for his uncanny knack of catching who‑who on the road.
Haisroniezam’s own childhood memories were carved into the walls of the quarter, the very place where his grandpa’s stories floated like smoke.

The Quarter That Was a Playground

Built back in 1934 for the Sikh contingent, the quarters later became Haisro’s living room, bedroom, and the coolest fishing spot (yes, fishing! Dad and grandpa would chase minnows from one corner to another). “Nobody besides the police ever set foot there,” he chuckled, recalling his daily rush to the CID—the hub of his adventures. He’d stroll from the yard to the CID, grab breakfast, splash into a fish market, even take his bike downhill. “When I turned to the twins of me in the force, I knew we were more than just officers; we were family,” he said.

Why the Badge Became a Family Bond

It wasn’t just the badge that mattered. The camaraderie sparked there turned into a lifeline: every time a case called, his trusted sidekick—be it brother or sister in uniform—was with him. He also remembered sending food to his dad during the essential fasting months, earning the station’s collective nod.

From Fishing Nets to Caravans of Duty

When he and his grandpa scoured for the best fishing spot, they learned one pivotal lesson: perseverance pays. “If you keep looking, you’ll find your catches—just like in life,” Haisroniezam notes. This mindset has helped him navigate the turbulent seas of a career that began in those old police precinct walls and now, he’s light‑heartedly claiming a new direction of his own—one that carries forward the spirit his family proudly upheld.

From Rejection to Reel Reward

Rough Start

He faced the “storefront” of the police academy like a stubborn brick wall—one, two, three attempts, each crushed with the same nail‑biting “no.”

Last Interview

The interviewer had a bad habit of calling him “You again?”—check a little circus tent of déjà vu.

“Gone Home” Verdict

Only a few minutes on the phone and his name was tossed out like a stale souvenir, prepping him for the classic “hope you didn’t succeed” moment.

Plot Twist

Out of the blue, an offer letter landed in his mailbox— Whoops‑la‑la! He didn’t expect it, and the disbelief turned into pure joy.

He Calls It the Best Day (and Why You Should Believe Him)

All the trial labs and mock drills were finally rewarded.
Genuine triumph—no villain clocking his heart.
From “I can’t” to “Look at me” in one story.

So, the next time life hands you a rejection, remember: persistence can slip a door you think is locked.

Not always smooth sailing

Inside the World of an Airport Police Team Lead

What Makes the Job Rough

“Honestly, I’ve had some pretty heavy days,” he confessed when we chatted about the toughest cases he’s faced.
There was that day when he held a person’s hand just as the guy slipped from a ledge—imagine a movie scene where the cliff doesn’t provide a safety net.
Another time, breaking a door opened up a sight far from the glamorous side: an elderly lady perched alone amidst a messy, decomposing mess.
He even had to arrest a little kid for sniffing glue—picture a tiny detective in a crime scene.
And in a truly harrowing moment, he discovered a baby in a plastic bag tossed off the sixth floor—spine‑ticking stuff.

When the Tears Come

“I’ve definitely felt like running away from it all,” he said candidly. Those moments made him question why he’d chosen this path, but one belief kept him steady:

“If I don’t do it, then who will?”

The Upside: Growth and Gratitude

He’s grateful for the police force that didn’t let him quit. It’s opened doors for him to learn and grow:

A diploma in Policing.
A diploma in Training & Development.
An advanced diploma in Policing.
A degree in International Policing.

All earned while juggling part‑time studies, thanks to scholarships from the SPF.

No need to follow in my footsteps

Legacy Out the Window? Meet the Haisroniezam Family

In the quiet corners of Jurong West, a family that once ran a thriving business has decided that its lineage is going its separate way.

Who’s Who?

25‑year‑old daughter: She’s set on becoming a ship captain, eager to sail her own way.
22‑year‑old son: He’s built a cycling empire, turning wheels into a business.
The youngest: He’s chasing a career in nursing or as a paramedic, ready to help people.

The Verdict

“If you want to do something, you’ve got to be fully heart‑in‑it,” Haisroniezam explains. “My grandpa and father never pushed me toward a police role.”

In short, the family’s legacy appears set to fade with him—and that’s not bothering him at all. Perhaps he’s simply letting the next chapter unfold on its own terms.

Seven Rejections and a Winning Gamble: Singapore Man\’s Rise to Third-Generation Police Officer