Training Command
By DSP Jarrod Song

Training for the Future
As the premier police training institution, Training Command constantly seeks new training methodologies and capabilities to prepare both trainees and officers to adapt to the rapidly changing operating environment. Our officers leverage on technology to support our pursuit of training excellence.

Beyond the Classroom

While traditional classroom instruction equips trainees with knowledge on law and police procedures to perform their duties in the areas of policing, counter services, investigation and public education, it is no longer sufficient given the complexity of our modern society and constantly evolving operating environment.

In August 2007, Training Command (TRACOM) piloted the integrated scenariobased or practical ‘hands-on’ training (ISBT), which was carried out in a realistic environment at Home Team Academy’s Training Village. The common cases handled by police officers on the ground – spousal violence, domestic dispute, noise pollution and others – were replicated into training scenarios that exposed trainees to the real-world situations they will face when posted to the land divisions.

Putting trainees through ISBT offered the advantages of reinforcing the lessons taught in class, enhancing individual and collective learning, integrating national law, police procedures and interpersonal skills, and preparing trainees to operate confidently when they are deployed on the ground.

Leveraging on Technology

The hands-on practical and simulationbased training provided by TRACOM was further enhanced by the use of technology. Systems such as the Video Management System and the Firearms Simulation System were employed to enhance the learning and review process.

Video Management System

The Video Management System (VMS) was implemented in July 2007 and has been used to record video footages that allowed trainees to share, learn and review their actions. This collective learning environment would help to foster a culture of continuous improvement. A total of 217 cameras and 235 microphones have been installed in 20 classrooms, a syndicate room, a mock Commander’s room and at the Training Village.

The VMS could also be used to record classroom lessons and export them for subsequent learning and review by the absentees. It could also record lessons by guest lecturers for the purpose of knowledge sharing. At the end of every scenario-based training session, trainers would conduct a de-briefing using the VMS, and the useful video footage would be retained and exported into VCD format.

Firearms Simulation System

The Firearms Simulation System (FSS), which became operational in May 2007, was built to provide trainees and officers with realistic combat shooting simulation. The scenarios designed and incorporated into the system were extensively researched to be as realistic as what police officers might come across during the course of their work.

FSS was designed to put officers in a situation where they had to make a choice – shoot the suspect, restrain themselves or talk the suspect into surrendering. This technologically advanced system allows the instructor to change the same scenario in real time according to how the officer reacts to it. To complement this, the system records the voice commands of the participants as they react to the scenarios. The recordings can be played back to the participants and the instructor will be able to advise them on how to handle the situation better. This provided the participants with a better understanding of the tactical response and firing techniques. Besides this, the FSS was also used to build up the confidence of first-time users of firearms before their live firing training.

Well-Prepared for FY 2008

Though TRACOM has achieved many training objectives in FY 2007, it will continue to look for new ways and opportunities to build up SPF’s capacity to learn and innovate.

We have plans to benchmark ourselves against local and internationally renowned training and academic institutions and to introduce new training methodologies such as problem-based learning and storytelling. Trainees can also look forward to the launch of a new trainee portal, which is a one-stop online resource centre where trainees can learn anytime at their own pace and according to their needs.