Can You Figure Out Why This Photo from SPF Has Unintentionally Gone Viral?

The internet has been buzzing ever since a photo from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) went viral. 

Was it the striking good looks of the policeman, a candid moment with a celebrity, or perhaps a breakthrough in a high-profile case that caught the kaypoh Singaporean eye? 

Nope. 

That probably went through folks’ minds when they guessed why the photo went viral.

The reality is something far more amusing and unexpected.

This Photo from SPF Went Viral for a Reason You’ll Never Expect

In a bid to showcase the diligent efforts of its officers, the SPF shared a series of photos on 18 September.

The Facebook post covered the duties of its officers during the F1 Singapore Grand Prix race from 15 to 17 September. 

 

Among the eight images depicting officers engaging with the community and ensuring safety, one peculiar photo stood out.

As of today (24 September), the photo has amassed over 24,000 reactions and has been shared more than 16,000 times.

This contrasts with the other seven images in the post, which only received about 20 to 40 reactions.

The post attracted nationwide attention and has been shared by multiple accounts internationally, too.

spf-police-officer-photo-viral-helmet
Image: Facebook (Singapore Police Force)

The photo that stole the spotlight featured three Special Operations Command officers armed with weapons on the road, with their red berets on.

Yet, it was an optical illusion in the photo that became the talk of the town.

Can You Figure Out Why This Photo from SPF Has Unintentionally Gone Viral?

If you’ve been scratching your head trying to determine the cause of this photo’s virality, allow us to unveil the mystery.

At first glance, the photo seems ordinary, but a closer look reveals something amusing.

With his helmet positioned at his rear, the officer on the right created a visual gag with viewers in splits.

The helmet, appearing as a well-toned rear, had many folks fooled into thinking our officer was a fitness enthusiast with a penchant for glutes and leg days.

The comments section was flooded with netizens sharing their laughter and disbelief. 

spf-viral-photo-helmet
Image: Facebook (Singapore Police Force)

Some international comments added to the humour, with one user saying, “bro, is that the biggest bakery in the Philippines?”

The photo even caught the eye of renowned Thai cosplayer Anucha Saengchart, known by his alias Lowcostcosplay, who shared the photo, extending its viral reach.

Not the First Time SPF Unintentionally Went Viral 

This isn’t the first time a photo from SPF went viral. 

SPF is notoriously known for the charismatic appeal of its officers, with these officers mainly being at the forefront of its posters or social media platforms.

In November 2022, a female police officer named Priscilla was featured on SPF’s TikTok channel, sharing insights into her daily duties as a team leader of the Emergency Response Team, Bedok Division.

@singaporepoliceforce Have you met Priscilla? Together with her fellow ERT officers, they patrol the streets of Bedok. 🚔 #fyp #foryoupage #tiktoksg #police#safeguardingeveryday #singaporepoliceforce ♬ Swear By It – Chris Alan Lee


The video has reached more than one million views and nearly 60,000 likes.

Similarly, in 2016, the wedding photos of Officer Ryah Koh took social media by storm, earning him the title of Singapore’s most handsome policeman.