Police training gets new dose of realism
By Satish Cheney, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 November 2009 2305 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Training for police officers has been given a new dimension. Trainees now have to undergo and pass a new scenario-based practical test in a simulated setting.

The training at the Home Team Academy at Old Choa Chu Kang Road is just like reality-TV, only more real and stressful! Various cameras positioned at the purpose-built compound will capture every single detail of a trainee's reaction to a situation.

Although there have been similar training facilities, authorities say the realism factor has been beefed up and trainers have the ability to create unexpected scenarios.

Loy Chye Meng, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Singapore Police Force, said: "This will help to assess the trainee's ability to respond to a particular situation in a appropriate and calibrated manner."

To facilitate training, retired officers have been hired. Since June, 16 retired officers have been employed to impart soft skills to the new trainees.

Retired police officer Albert Loo said: "How to relate to people... the soft approach... not to use hard tactics, harsh language, you must tone down and be tactful... these types of things, we must emphasise to them."

Officers are also taught how to help those in need. Retired police officer Izzudin Omar said: "As officers on the ground, we must have knowledge. It is very important... you can refer to the FSC, the Family Service Centre, to deal with the financial problems."

30 police trainee officers are now undergoing the beefed-up realism training at the Home Team Academy, the first batch to do so.

- CNA/ir