Police Technology Department
By ASP Hisham Mohd Saad

Pushing Technological Boundaries
Technology continued to remain a strong enabler for the Singapore Police Force, particularly in the fight against crime and terrorism. The rapid developments in Infocomm Technologies have pushed the Police Technology Department to continuously explore new technologies to enhance the Force’s operational capability, to effectively combat crime and to ensure our nation’s safety and security.

Infocomm Technologies Support for Major Events

During the ASEAN Summit held from 18 to 23 November 2007, the Police Technology Department (PTD) ensured that the required Infocomm Technologies (ICT) equipment and systems delivered to the various command posts were in the best operational condition. Our officers also provided prompt on-site support throughout the event, using high-tech systems such as the 3G Manpack for real-time video streaming capabilities, Crisis Information Management System (CIMS), Unified Close-Circuit Management System (UCCMS), Barcode Access Control System, walk-through metal detectors and X-ray machines.

Other major events where PTD provided SPF’s frontline units and command posts with ICT support and equipment included the Exercise Northstar VI, the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) Dialogue, the National Day Parade and the Singapore Airshow.

Maximising Technological Upgrades

Over the past year, PTD has worked proactively with SPF departments to introduce new ICT systems to enhance SPF’s operational capabilities. We have worked closely with the Operations Department to expand SPF’s real-time CCTV surveillance network beyond the existing network of Boat Quay, Newton Food Centre, Little India and Geylang. For the 13th ASEAN Summit in November 2007, we completed the Police Camera Zone (PCZ) project by installing more than 100 CCTV cameras to monitor Suntec City and the vicinity.

PTD worked with the Operations Department on the launch of SMS 70999, an Emergency Short Messaging Service (SMS) Helpline, which is a joint initiative between SPF and the National Council of Social Service. This service offers the public, especially those with hearing and speech impairments, another avenue of communication with the SPF during emergencies.

We conducted a trial on the Mobile Automated Vehicle Screening System (MAVSS) to assess the feasibility of deploying this system in SPF. The system, which automatically screens vehicles from cameras mounted in Fast Response Cars (FRCs), reads off the registration numbers of vehicles it captures. When a wanted vehicle is detected, the system will automatically alert the patrol officer without him having to conduct a manual check.

On top of all these new initiatives, we worked with the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) to launch the Web-based Intelligent Analytical and Graphical Visualisation system (WINGS), which enables CAD officers to analyse voluminous data to detect money laundering, terrorism financing and other criminal activities.

Pushing the Right Buttons for FY 2008

PTD will continue its unceasing efforts to serve and enhance SPF’s operational capability. Our role is not merely to support; we have become a major driver of innovative initiatives. We aim to deliver effective ICT services and harness cuttingedge technology to ensure Singapore’s safety and security.

Forward Command Vehicle II

One of the projects that will be commissioned in FY 2008 is the Forward Command Vehicle II integrated with ICT equipment. Furthermore, we are working with the Operations Department to replace the existing CUBICON system with a nextgeneration Command and Control System.

A World-Class Force

FY 2008 will be a busy one for PTD. We will be providing ICT support for major events such as the National Day Parade, Singapore Formula One Grand Prix and the 41st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting.

With two Integrated Resorts scheduled to open in 2009 and 2010 respectively, and with Singapore hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Conference in 2009, we will be working hard on a number of projects that involve various SPF departments. These invaluable experiences will help us contribute towards realising the vision of SPF as a world-class organisation, admired for its exemplary standards of service and operational performance.