A new Police National Servicemen
(PNSmen) Public Order (PO) Troop is set to be formed by
September 2018, with full implementation by 2023, as part of the
Government’s efforts in ramping up efforts to boost security.
Formed by operationally ready servicemen (NSmen) who
have completed their full-time national service in the Police
Special Operations Command (SOC), the troop will be tapped upon for
their public order skills, perform anti-crime patrols, and also be
recalled for planned major events and emergencies.
The troopers, equipped with a set of personal
protective equipment – which comprises a helmet, arm and shin
protectors, fire retardant attire, gloves, boots and tactical
shield – will be trained to deal with situations of violent rioters
safely and effectively.
They will also be armed with firearms and less lethal
weapons so they have various force options to handle situations
when public order is disrupted.
Details about the troop, which was announced by
Minister for Home Affairs and Law
K Shanmugam during the recent Police Workplan Seminar,
were revealed at a briefing at the Home Team Tactical Centre on
Wednesday (April 26).
During their time as full-time police national service
men (PNSF), as part of their service under the SOC, they will
undergo a specialised course to learn public order and basic combat
skills.
They will be then deployed along with their regular
counterparts for operations after completing the course, and have
similar PO capabilities as their regular counterparts except for
some specialised tactics.
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