Security Command
By DSP Tan Su Leng & SSgt Mohd Faizal Mustakim

A Commanding Presence
A vital presence in Singapore, Security Command has had an exciting year with deployments for high-profile events such as the ASEAN Summit and the inaugural Singapore Airshow.

Police Security Command (SecCom) responded well to the operational challenges of protecting VIPs and dignitaries for the ASEAN Summit and the International Institute of Strategic Studies Conference (IISS) in FY 2007 as well as the Singapore Airshow in 2008. We ensured the smooth operations during these events without security incidents against VIPS under our charge.

Enhancing Competencies of SecCom’s Personal Security Officers

The Personal Security Officers (PSOs) are trained in the five core competencies – physical fitness, shooting proficiency, advanced contact tactics, protective driving and medical response.

The Upper Body Fitness Test (UBFT) was introduced as an added measure to further improve and strengthen the physique of a PSO. In 2008, we certified our contact tactic trainers as Krav Maga Instructors to raise the unarmed combat competencies of the PSOs to a higher level. We also validated the doctrine for the Mobile Counter Assault Team (CAT) with inputs from consultants.

The SecCom officer is both adaptive and flexible in almost any situation, and is trained in dealing with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) threats, gunman and sniper threats, surveillance and bugging devices.

In 2007, we also successfully conducted the CBRE-IEDD Consultancy course, equipping selected officers with capabilities to handle Biological Agent and Chemical Agent IED.

Preserving Heritage

SecCom has a long and rich history, beginning in 1950. To reconnect with our past, a heritage centre named ‘Our Heritage’ was built and its first memoirs entitled ‘The Bodyguard Stories’ were published in March 2008. The former provides a historical showcase of SecCom’s journey and achievements, while the latter is a colourful documentation of the experiences of individual officers.

‘Our Heritage’ was officially opened by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Khoo Boon Hui, in the presence of seven former Officersin- Charge and Commanders of SecCom as well as many former PSOs.

Strength through Unity – Connecting with Partners and Customers

SecCom strives to maintain a good rapport and understanding with partners such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office. In April 2007, SecCom was successfully admitted to the International Association of Personal Protection Services (APPS).

In early 2008, we celebrated a year of hard work and success at the Annual Dinner and Dance with all partners. The President of Singapore, His Excellency S R Nathan, was the Guest-of-Honour for the event. We also held the first ‘SecCom Appreciation Day’ for our working partners at our base.

The Officer, the Athlete

SecCom embraces and supports a sports culture. We defended our overall champion title at the Police Sports Association (PSA) swimming carnival, clinched the women’s champion title and shared the overall champion trophy with the Police Coast Guard at the PSA Seasports Carnival held in January 2008.

Our shooting team hit the mark at the Singapore Open Shooting Competition, coming in second after the Swiss Tactical Team.

Covering all Bases in 2008

With major events like the Singapore Formula One Race, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Conference and the Youth Olympics coming up, SecCom will focus on preparations to ensure the safety and security of the VIPs scheduled to attend.

In view of the VIPs expected to converge in Singapore for these events, the challenges presented to SecCom in terms of manpower, training and logistics will be unprecedented.

In FY 2008, we will enhance our command and control capability to better manage ground resources and deployments by leveraging on technology. We will also continue to refine our procedures to increase efficiency in deployment, enhancing professionalism through emphasis on training.

Looking at the big picture, we will continue to strengthen our working relationships with other security forces and international counterparts, to better complement and support one another during critical operations.