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Source:
www.mha.gov.sg |
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Oral Answer to Parliamentary Question for MHA
during Parliament Sitting on the standard operating procedures for
the new Police MRT units, particularly with regard to their patrols
of MRT stations and other public areas and the use of firearms in
these places |
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Dr Chong Weng Chiew: |
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To ask the Minister for Home Affairs what
are the standard operating procedures for the new Police MRT units,
particularly with regard to their patrols of MRT stations and other
public areas and the use of firearms in these places. |
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Answer: |
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Police has deployed dedicated armed
officers at Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations and on board trains
starting from today. |
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The mission of the new Police MRT Unit is to
deter and detect potential terrorist attacks in the MRT through armed
police presence, high visibility patrols and security checks. |
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The deployment of Police officers at MRT
stations is not a new initiative. Since 9-11, Police have increased
patrols at MRT stations as well as places where there are large crowds. |
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However, the skills required for the MRT
Unit officers are distinct from those of the NPC officers. They will be
equipped with specialised skills and knowledge to handle typical
incidents in MRT stations for example, response to Improvised Explosive
Devices (IEDs), bomb hoaxes, suicide, molest and pick-pocket, to conduct
searches of persons, buildings and vehicles. |
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The dedicated Police MRT Unit will
complement the existing security measures adopted by the two MRT
operators, which include the use of surveillance CCTVs and the
deployment of private security guards. |
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Officers from the Police MRT Unit will
concentrate primarily on security duties and be on the lookout for
suspicious persons and items. However, the officers will also respond to
a crime report and apprehend the suspect at the scene if possible |
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The officers will be equipped with
revolvers. The rules of engagement on the use of firearms are similar to
other police officers from the Police Divisions or the Neighbourhood
Police Centres. |
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This is governed by the SPF's Use of Force
and Firearms Doctrine. Under this Doctrine, if an officer is confronted
with a situation where there is immediate danger to life, he is
authorized to use the necessary force to remove the danger, and this may
extend to the use of firearms. |
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Let me reiterate that implementing enhanced
Police measures on the MRT system is not an indication of a specific
threat against the MRT or any public transport infrastructure. Rather,
it is part of our ongoing efforts to keep Singapore safe and secure.
Members of public are advised not to be alarmed and to continue to be
vigilant. |
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Source:
www.mha.gov.sg News Release 15 Aug
2005 |
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Armed police patrols on MRT trains from today
