Commemorating 70 years of unwavering commitment to public safety, the SOC stands as a pillar of Singapore's security.
By: Domnic Dass
On 10 Nov 2023, the Singapore Police Force's (SPF) Special Operations Command (SOC) marked its 70th anniversary, a testament to its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation's peace and security. Over the decades, the SOC has adapted and evolved, forming specialised units that possess unique capabilities to tackle a wide range of public order and public security challenges. Here are four ways the SOC remains committed to its mission to provide the SPF with the highest level of tactical options and protect the community from threats to public safety!
1. The PTU is Highly Trained
Established in 1953, the PTU has played a pivotal role in maintaining public order in Singapore. The unit also performs security-related duties and responds to terrorist incidents in the form of Armed Strike Teams. Their presence serves as a visible deterrence and a reassuring symbol of security for the public.
Over the past 70 years, the PTU has grown from 150 officers to a force of about 500. PTU officers undergo rigorous training to handle a diverse range of situations, from managing civil disturbances and quelling riots, to responding to armed attacks and counteracting terrorist threats. The PTU also participates in joint exercises and exchanges frequently with other Police units, Home Team agencies such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force and other overseas Police units such as the Hong Kong Police Force's Police Tactical Unit, Korean National Police Agency's Special Weapons Tactics Unit, and France National Police's Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité and RAID tactical unit.
2. The PTU is Geared for Public Order and Public Safety
The PTU is equipped with a sophisticated fleet of vehicles, such as the Tactical Vehicle, the Tactical Strike Vehicle, and the Water Cannon, as well as a wide array of lethal and non-lethal arsenal to handle various public order and public safety situations.
One of the less-lethal force options available to the PTU for use during public order incidents includes the P4 less-lethal weapon, which can fire coloured marking and Pelargonic acid vanillylamide (PAVA) irritant projectiles. A recently new option added to SOC’s less-lethal arsenal is the Oleoresin Capsicum irritant.
These less-lethal options allow officers to effectively control crowds, subdue non-compliant individuals and de-escalate tense situations, while minimising harm to all parties involved.
Meticulously armed and protected, these highly skilled PTU officers are also equipped with the Helmet Mounted Camera System to record incidents, which aids in post-event investigations.
3. Public Order Dog Teams: Enhancing Public Order Management
Complementing the PTU are the Public Order Dog teams from the Police K-9 Unit, which was introduced in 2017 to bolster the unit's capabilities. Public Order Dogs, typically German Shepherds and Malinois, are trained to deter and disperse crowds, provide a prominent visual presence, and offer tactical support to PTU officers. The versatility of Public Order Dog teams extends beyond public order management, as they are also trained to guard arrested subjects, patrol critical infrastructure, and participate in foot patrols and security events.
4. RDT: Swift Response to Public Order and Public Security Challenges
In response to the growing need for a quick and agile response to public order incidents, the RDT's full operational capability was achieved in 2017. Utilising Tactical Response Motorcycles, RDT can swiftly manoeuvre through traffic congestion and challenging terrain to reach incident sites promptly. Their rapid mobility and specialised training enable them to effectively manage a wide range of public order and public security scenarios, including crowd control, dispersal of unruly crowds, and response to armed attacks.
A Legacy of Service and Commitment
As the SOC commemorates its 70th anniversary, its commitment to upholding public safety remains steadfast, ensuring that Singapore remains safe and secure for generations to come.
Read on to find out about the Crisis Negotiation Unit, the UN Peacekeeping Force, the Special Women Task Team, and the STAR Unit of the SOC!
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