Explainer: The Police Aerial Response Team
By: Christabelle Lim
Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) first Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or commonly known as drones, took flight in 2014 when the technology was growing in applications around the world. Since then, the SPF has explored and evaluated UAVs for use in policing, and a dedicated unit was set up in 2021 to support the SPF’s operations. In this issue of Police Life, we zoom in on how UAVs have become part of the SPF’s policing strategy to safeguard Singapore.
Formation of the SPF’s Aerial Response Team
Due to the increasing use of UAVs to support Police operations, the SPF set up the Aerial Response Team (ART) in 2021, comprising UAV pilots who may be activated to support Police operations. The UAV pilots undergo rigorous training and are certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
“Together with my fellow ART pilots, we undergo regular training to hone our skills” - SSgt Edwin Lim
“ART pilots are required to pass a CAAS theory and practical assessment test before we’re granted the Unmanned Aerial Pilot License. The CAAS practical test was particularly challenging as we were required to perform complex manoeuvres such as flying in a ‘figure of 8’ to demonstrate our ability to control a drone in challenging situations and different terrains.”
To maintain their competency levels, ART officers are required to clock a minimum of three hours of flight time per month. This constant practice is key. “Together with my fellow ART pilots, we undergo regular training to hone our skills,” said SSSgt Edwin Lim. “We’re also given the opportunity to mentor new pilots who are pre-CAAS certified, to prepare them for the assessment.”
Leveraging UAV Capabilities in Police Operations
SPF’s UAVs have been deployed to support Police operations for major security events such as the National Day Parade and the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown. Equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, these UAVs enhance the Police sense-making capabilities and help officers to identify areas to deploy ground resources to ensure public safety.
UAVs can also be outfitted with spotlights, blinkers and speakers to enhance Police operations. These allow the Police to broadcast public safety messages to the crowd, including relaying instructions during an emergency or major security incident.
Operational Success
Besides supporting Police operations during major events, UAVs have also been deployed for enforcement operations. In August 2020, a UAV was deployed in an enforcement operation against contraband cigarette peddlers at Tuas. Taking advantage of aerial views, officers were able to identify suspicious persons and vehicles, leading to the successful execution of the operation.
One of the most effective use of UAVs is for search and rescue operations. This also includes searches for illegal immigrants, suspects on the run and the occasional lost hiker in forested areas. The footage from the UAVs provides the Police with a better situational picture for sense-making, enhancing their responses on the ground.
In March 2021, the Police deployed a UAV in an operation to search for a lost hiker in Clementi Forest. Using the aerial view, the Police was able to locate the hiker quickly and use the UAV to guide ground officers to his location and escort him out of the dense vegetation safely.
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