Fast Response Car

The "Fast Response Car" (FRC) is the official term for police cars used by the Singapore Police Force.[1] Prior to 2000, they were known in public simply as "police patrol cars".

A Chevrolet Cruze fast response car at the National Museum of Singapore in 2020

FRCs are usually composed of sedans. Unlike civilian vehicles in Singapore in which speed limiters (speed governors) are installed to prevent over-speeding, Police Fast Response Cars are able to reach their maximum speed potential without hindrance when the need arises.

FRCs are used for SPF deployments in urgent situations.[2]

History

Originally restricted to team leader vehicles during the 1990s, all current FRCs carry a large array of equipment to allow officers to conduct normal policing duties and basic investigative work which officers are expected to perform with the implementation of the Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) system. A typical FRC may therefore stock equipment for the force-opening of locked doors, conducting roadblocks, fingerprint collection, and the provision of first aid. Chemical agent protection equipment and bulletproof vests are also carried for the officer's protection.

In 2020, the SPF unveiled a type of FRC, which consist of Hyundai Tucson SUVs, with a remote-controlled searchlight on the roof, sensors under the side view mirrors, and cameras all around the vehicle.[3] They are expected to replace all active FRCs by 2024.[4] These vehicles were retrofitted as a project by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) in cooperation with the SPF,[4] known as the " Next-Generation Fast Response Car".[5]

Fast Response Vehicle
A Toyota Hilux Fast Response Vehicle

Originally unveiled in 2002 at the Singapore Police Force's annual workplan seminar, the Enhanced Patrol Vehicle Project was presented to highlight the need for police off-road capability. The Volvo V70 AWD XC, Mitsubishi Space Wagon and Mitsubishi Chariot underwent evaluation in various Neighbourhood Police Centres. They also provide bigger storage for additional equipment like undercarriage mirrors. All NPCs were to have at least three of such vehicles eventually, but as of 2006, only 6 have been purchased in total (3 Volvo V70 XCs, 3 Mitsubishi Space Wagons/Chariots).

The project underwent several evaluations and in 2004 was re-introduced to the public as the new Enhanced Fast Response Vehicle (FRV), using modified Toyota Hilux twin-cab diesel pick up trucks, more suited for prolonged heavy use on the roads. Achieving both the original and new requirements of the project, the new vehicles' bigger storage space allows easier storage and retrieval of equipment such as chemical agent protective suits and bullet-resistant vests. The SPF plans to have two of these vehicles at all NPCs.[6][7]

The civilian model of the Toyota Hilux vehicles in use in Singapore is the 2-litre turbo pickup truck. The SPF uses the Australian 3-litre turbo 4WD DOHC model.[8]

Fleet

Current
Make and Model Type In service Notes
BMW F30 325d M Sport Sedan 2018–present Used exclusively by the Traffic Police Expressway Patrol Unit
Chevrolet Cruze NB 1.6D Sedan 2016–present
Hyundai Avante HD 1.6 Sedan 2010–present
Hyundai Elantra MD 1.6 Sedan 2014–present
Hyundai Sonata NF 2.0 Sedan 2011–present
Hyundai TL Tucson FL 1.6 GLS Crossover SUV 2020–present Next-Generation Fast Response Car. Approximately 300 vehicles to be delivered through 2024.
Mazda 3 1.5 Skyactiv-G Sedan 2020–present
Subaru Impreza GD Sedan 2006–present Mainly used for follow-up investigations.
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (E120) Sedan 2005–present Mainly used for follow-up investigations.
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (E140) Sedan 2009–present
Toyota RAV4 2.0 Crossover SUV 2022–present Next-Generation Fast Response Car.
Volvo S80 T5 2.0 Sedan 2012–present Used exclusively by the Traffic Police Expressway Patrol Unit

Former
SPF Fast Response Cars

References
  1. "Cop these diecast Singapore Police Force cars before they sell out". Torque. Singapore. 26 June 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  2. Singh, Jarmal (December 2000). Community policing in the context of Singapore (PDF). United Nations Asia and Far East Institute (Technical report). Resource material series No. 56. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  3. Mahmud, Aqil Haziq (2 August 2020). "Police unveil new fast response car with number plate recognition, more secure cabin for suspects". Channel News Asia. Singapore. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  4. "Next-generation fast response car (FRC)" (Press release). Singapore Police Force. 2 August 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  5. Yen, John. "Reinforcing Public Security with Next-Gen Fast Response Cars". INNOVD. Singapore. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  6. "SPF's New Fleet Hits the Road". Archived from the original on 4 June 2007. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
  7. "Home Team Departments" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 February 2007. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
  8. Goh, Jonathan (May 2006). "SPF's New Fleet Hits the Road". Police Life Monthly. Vol. 32. Singapore Police Force. p. 1. Archived from the original on 4 June 2007. Retrieved 29 December 2006.
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