Protective Security Command

1°19′34.88″N 103°53′26.63″E

Protective Security Command
AbbreviationProCom
Motto"Protect and Prevail"
Agency overview
Formed8 July 2016 - Present
Legal personalityPolice Force
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionSingapore
Governing bodySingapore Police Force
General nature
Operational structure
Headquarters300 Ulu Pandan Road

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), 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

On 8 July 2016, ProCom was formed to protect security sensitive locations all year round and to provide security coverage at key national events such as the annual National Day Parade.[7]

On 1 December 2017, In-Situ Reaction Teams (IRTs) were formed as an elite unit within the command to complement existing Ground Response Force teams and Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) as a "Wave 0" response to terror attacks.[8] They are deployed in popular areas across Singapore such as Orchard Road and Marina Bay.

In July 2020, ProCom officers were deployed to ensure the safety of voters at polling centres island-wide during the 2020 Singaporean general elections. The Public Security Engagement Group (PSEG) was established within the unit on February 2021.[9]

On 1 January 2023, ProCom took over Ops Bacinet, replacing the SAF soldiers who patrolled at the airport. Given ProCom's capabilities as a paramilitary unit, ProCom will eventually take control of Singapore's entire Ops Bacinet - providing round the clock surveillance and support at the entirety of Singapore's Changi Airport. Ops Bacinet has officially been renamed to Ops Stinger.

Manpower & equipment

ProCom draws its manpower from regular police officers, as well as conscripted Full-Time National Servicemen (NSF) resources. All officers are trained to use the Heckler & Koch MP5 sub-machine gun in addition to the force-wide standard Taurus Model 85 revolver, though Taurus revolver was phased out for Glock 19 to be used as force-wide handgun.[5][10]

ProCom is considering adopting robots and ground sensors to assist them in field operations.[11]

They are always seen in the field with SPF beige berets and in sunglasses.[5]

Training

Prospective ProCom officers complete a five-week Protective Security Basic Course in urban warfare tactics, including marching with full load combat gear.[5][11]

ProCom officers who wish to join an IRT must complete an intensive three-week training on using high-powered firearms and specialised combat tactics.[12] 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.[13]

Operations

ProCom 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]

References
  1. https://www.scdf.gov.sg/docs/default-source/scdf-library/publications/publications/everyday-guardians.pdf
  2. https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2004032301.htm
  3. Police Life, Issue 6, June 2017, page 3.
  4. "NS in ProCom: Big Responsibilities, Even Bigger Leadership Roles". www.mha.gov.sg. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
  5. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/police-counterterrorism-nsf-procom-2389826
  6. Police Life, Issue 2, March 2022, page 16.
  7. Police Life, Issue 2, March 2022, page 16.
  8. hermesauto (2017-12-15). "New quick-response counter-terrorism teams deployed in areas with high human traffic". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
  9. Police Life, Issue 2, March 2022, page 20.
  10. Police Life, Issue 2, March 2022, page 21.
  11. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/police-specialist-unit-to-work-with-public-sector-to-harden-security-against-terror-attacks
  12. Police Life, Issue 2, March 2022, page 20.
  13. "Police Life | Protect and Prevail: On the Frontline with the IRT from ProCom". Singapore Police Force. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
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