First batch of public order police to be formed by Sept next year
After undergoing a specialised course to learn public order and basic combat skills, the troopers will be deployed along with their regular counterparts for operations. Photo: Wee Teck Hian/ TODAY
SINGAPORE – The inaugural batch of public order troops comprising police national servicemen will be formed by September next year, and they will be fully rolled out by 2023, the police announced on Wednesday (April 26).
The move to rope in police NSmen who have served their National Service to beef up support during national emergencies and major security events was first announced by Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam earlier this month during the Police Workplan Seminar.
After they finish their full-time NS, they will be recalled for training and anti-crime patrols, and may also be deployed to support the police tactical troops during public order operations.
Since September last year, some full-time police national servicemen — police declined to reveal the numbers — have been training under the Special Operations Command (SOC) as part of the pioneer batch of public order troops.
Since September last year, some full-time police national servicemen — police declined to reveal the numbers — have been training under the Special Operations Command (SOC) as part of the pioneer batch of public order troops.
Among them is Special Constabulary Sergeant (SC Sgt) Muhammad Khairul Shafeeq, 20. Speaking to reporters, he said that he was proud to be part of the inaugural batch.
During the training in the past few months, which has helped him gain confidence and equipped him with public order and basic combat skills, SC Sgt Khairul got a taste of actual operations when he was deployed for events such as the Thaipusam and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
He described training as very tiring and hot, as the troops have to train for long hours under the sun while wearing protective gear.
Nevertheless, he said: “I feel honoured and proud to be part of this. I’m ready for any kind of (situation) that will happen in Singapore.”
His fellow trainee, Special Constabulary Sergeant (SC Sgt) Wilson Ng, said morale was high despite the tough training.
“We train together, do everything together, and if anyone feels like giving up, we will help them (to overcome) it ... I am sure we are all trained and equipped to deal with (situations that crop up),” said the 21-year-old.
After completing a specialised course, the police NSmen public order troops will be deployed alongside their regular counterparts for operations. They will possess similar public order capabilities as the regulars except for certain specialised tactics.
Equipped with a set of personal protective equipment — which comprises a helmet, arm and shin protectors, fire retardant attire, gloves, boots and tactical shield — the troopers will be trained to deal with violent rioters safely and effectively, the police said.
They will also be armed with firearms such as revolvers and less lethal weapons, so that they have various options to deal with situations in which public order is disrupted.
During a media briefing at the Home Team Tactical Centre at Mandai Quarry Road, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jarrod Nair, who is the Company Commander of SOC’s Police Tactical Unit, said the public order troops will “provide the Singapore Police Force with an added capacity to respond to emergencies”.
“This initiative enhances the national service experience of the officers,” he added.
