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| Protective Security Command | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | ProCom |
| Motto | "Protect and Prevail" |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 8 July 2016 - Present |
| Legal personality | Police Force |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Singapore |
| Governing body | Singapore Police Force |
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | 300 Ulu Pandan Road |
| Agency executives |
|
The Protective Security Command (ProCom)[1] is a specialist counter-terrorist police unit of the Singapore Police Force (SPF). ProCom was formed to build up Singapore Police Force's public security capabilities and project police presence at security-sensitive locations. On 8 July 2016, the unit was commissioned.
An evolving public security landscape and the changing demographics of Singapore created the impetus for the transformation of the Key Installations Command (KINS) or the Police National Service Key Installations Command (PNS KINS),[2] which was originally established in October 1994.[3] KINS was once part of the Police National Service Department (PNSD). It has since evolved into ProCom, a stand-alone specialist line unit involved in Singapore Police Force's fight against terrorism.[4]
The unit has the largest group of Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) in the SPF.[5][6]
History
editMajor Milestones
editOn 8 July 2016, ProCom was formed to protect security-sensitive locations and provide security coverage at key national events, including the annual National Day Parade.[6]
In December 2017, In-Situ Reaction Teams (IRTs) – an elite unit within ProCom – were established to complement existing Ground Response Force (GRF) teams and Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) as a "Wave 0" response against terror attacks.[7] These teams are deployed at pre-identified high risk iconic areas with large human congregations, such as Orchard Road and Marina Bay.
ProCom's responsibilities expanded further in July 2020, when officers were deployed to ensure voter safety during islandwide polling for the 2020 Singaporean general elections. The Public Security Engagement Group (PSEG) was launched within ProCom in February 2021.[8]
On 1 January 2023, together with SPF's Airport Police Division (APD), ProCom assumed full control of Ops Bacinet, replacing the SAF soldiers who previously patrolled Changi Airport. This move leverages ProCom's paramilitary capabilities to provide round-the-clock surveillance and support throughout the entire airport, marking a significant shift in airport security operations. In conjunction with this change, Ops Bacinet has been officially renamed Ops Stinger Patrol.
ProCom's commitment to public safety extended beyond these milestones. Notably, on 1 September 2023, officers were deployed islandwide to ensure voter safety during elections. Working alongside Ground Response Force units, they escorted ballot carriers to a designated area for vote tallying, repeating their crucial role from the 2020 elections. This deployment further underscores ProCom's evolving responsibilities and its dedication to safeguarding Singapore's security across various critical contexts.
Manpower & equipment
editProCom leverages on three types of personnel: regular police officers, conscripted Police Full-Time National Servicemen (PNSF), and Operationally-Ready Police National Servicemen (NSMen). All ProCom officers receive comprehensive training in firearms, including the use of the Heckler & Koch MP5 sub-machine gun, the Taurus Model 85 revolver, and formerly, the M4 Carbine. The revolver has been phased out in favor of the Glock 19 Gen 5 pistol[9] as the standard sidearm for increased firepower and magazine capacity.
ProCom's expanding technological arsenal now includes counter-drone systems to address the growing security threat posed by unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Utilising advanced sensors, these systems pinpoint illegal UAVs and deploy targeted jamming technology to disrupt their control signals or even take direct control, effectively disabling or capturing them.[10]
ProCom officers are easily distinguishable by their distinctive SPF beige berets and frequent use of sunglasses.[5]
Training
editProspective ProCom officers must complete a five-week Protective Security Basic Course (PSUBC) in urban warfare tactics, including marching with full load combat gear.[5][10]
ProCom officers who wish to join the IRT must complete an intensive three-week training on operating high-powered firearms and learning specialised combat tactics.[8] The IRT's role is to deter, detect and respond to any public security incidents within their area of operations. They perform patrols at designated locations with high footfall to keep Singapore safe and secure.[11]
Operations
editProCom officers currently operate in groups of at least 4 officers and are deployed across the island.
They have four main functions: Strategic Location Protection (SLP), In-Situ Reaction Teams (IRT), Event Security (ES), and Protection of Installations (POI).[4]
Major event security operations include, but are not limited to:
- Public Holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, New Year's Day)
- Presidential Election
- General Election
- Istana Open House
- Shangri-La Dialogue - Asian Security Summit
- National Day Parade
- Formula One Race
- New Year's Eve Countdown
References
edit- ^ https://www.scdf.gov.sg/docs/default-source/scdf-library/publications/publications/everyday-guardians.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ "Speech by Senior Minister of State Ho Peng Kee, at the Police National Service Key Installation Protection (KINS) Units Appreciation Dinner, 23 March 2004, 7.00 pm".
- ^ Police Life, Issue 6, June 2017, page 3.
- ^ a b "NS in ProCom: Big Responsibilities, Even Bigger Leadership Roles". www.mha.gov.sg. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
- ^ a b c "Dark shades, beige berets, submachine guns: The police counterterrorism unit made up mostly of NSFS".
- ^ a b Police Life, Issue 2, March 2022, page 16.
- ^ hermesauto (2017-12-15). "New quick-response counter-terrorism teams deployed in areas with high human traffic". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
- ^ a b Police Life, Issue 2, March 2022, page 20.
- ^ "Singapore police switching to Glock pistols after two decades of using Taurus revolver - here's why". CNA. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
- ^ a b "Singapore police's counter-drone system scans skies to keep major events safe".
- ^ "Police Life | Protect and Prevail: On the Frontline with the IRT from ProCom". Singapore Police Force. Retrieved 2023-08-29.