Operations Department
By ASP Jeremy Lin

In Command and Control
The Operations Department remained steadfast despite its involvement in many events and exercises in FY 2007. Its commanding presence on the ground made the difference in keeping peace and order in the country.

FY 2007 was another busy year for the Operations Department (Ops Dept) with many large-scale events and unforeseen situations requiring considerable security deployments. Ops Dept was the central unit overseeing and coordinating the ground operations for the ASEAN Summit, ASEANAPOL and the National Day Parade.

Ops Dept also demonstrated operational agility in responding to the escape of detainee Mas Selamat Kastari. We showcased our capabilities in these unprecedented incidents by working closely with SPF ground units and other agencies from the Whole of Government to maintain peace and order.

The year also saw the commissioning of Ops Vanguard, under which SPF sends Ops officers overseas to assist in humanitarian missions. Exercises simulating disasters and contingencies such as Exercise Bobcat, Bear, Triton III and Blue Fortress III were conducted. Conferences such as the ASEAN Communication & Co-ordination Protocol on Crisis Management (ACCPCM) were also held in the same year.

In addition to these events and exercises, Ops Dept continued to work on developmental projects to improve SPF’s operational capabilities, and its interface with the community.

Demanding Quality, Every Time

Working closely with the Police Technology Department and the Technology & Infrastructure (T&I) Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), we piloted the Mobile Automated Vehicle Screening System (MAVSS). This system uses special cameras mounted on Fast Response Cars (FRCs) to automatically scan vehicle numbers and screen them against a list of stolen vehicles. This automation could potentially increase detection rates for stolen vehicles greatly.

We also introduced the mobile Forward Command Vehicle (FCV). The FCV can accommodate 28 people and serves as a Forward Command Post at incident sites to enable better incident management.

On security matters, we formally implemented the Red Teaming framework to test security readiness. Sea checkpoints were also declared as protected areas by law, enhancing SPF’s defensive measures around our island.

Linking Up with the Community

As part of our community partnership efforts, we implemented the Emergency Short Messaging Service (SMS) Helpline 70999. This facilitates communication for members of the public who are in distress, in particular, for the hearing-impaired to send messages requesting police assistance.

We extended the Safety & Security Watch Group (SSWG) to encompass a wider area of concerns, by forming the Industry Safety & Security Watch Group (iSSWG). The iSSWG conducts regular meetings to encourage dialogue and discussion among SPF, regulatory authorities and industry associations of various sectors. Project Guardian was also launched to augment the capabilities of the private security industry to assist in crisis mitigation.

With the formation of the Night Buzz Consultation Circle, we extended our partnership to include the entertainment industry. This Consultation Circle comprises representatives from major public entertainment operators, the Pro- Enterprise Panel and related business associations. To streamline regulations for legitimate businesses, we also started implementing the newly enacted Secondhand Goods Dealers Act.

SPF is now a member of YouTube. That means we have taken our message further by entering cyberspace to engage netizens more effectively. This has enabled us to upload official videos to inform and educate viewers. We have also augmented our YouTube presence with discussion forums that deliver crime prevention advice and alerts.

The FY 2008 Action Plan

Ops Dept will continue to push for new and innovative ways to improve the dayto- day operations of SPF, introducing new initiatives and reassessing current practices for any areas of improvement.

We will continue with the pilot and implementation phases of the MAVSS and FCV, as well as the training programmes for Project Guardian and iSSWG. The Massage Establishments Act will also be reviewed to deter and detect vice, as will the Movement Control Rules for firearms on board private sea vessels.

Furthermore, we will continue to review the security of critical infrastructures such as Changi Airport fuel and hydrant installations and Jurong Island. We will also introduce new security initiatives such as the Threat-Oriented Passenger Screening Integrated System at our border checkpoints.

The early part of FY 2008 has already proven eventful for Ops Dept with SPF’s completion of Ex Northstar VI, the largest maritime civil emergency exercise ever held in Singapore. Ops Dept is also planning for other major events such as the first Singapore Formula One Grand Prix to be held this year, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2009 and the Youth Olympic Games 2010.