Riot-control weapon, P4.1, among police’s new initiatives
The P4.1 unveiled at the Singapore Police Force Workplan Seminar. Photo: Amanda Lee/TODAY
SINGAPORE — All riot troops will be equipped with a new weapon in the next few months to resolve violent public-order incidents.
Police Tactical Unit Troopers from the Special Operations Command will be equipped with the P4.1, which can be used against violent suspects who pose a physical threat to the public or to police officers.
The weapon is one of the new initiatives unveiled at the annual Police Workplan Seminar and Exhibition yesterday for the Singapore Police Force (SPF) to stay ahead and remain relevant in its fight against crime.
P4.1, which resembles a rifle, allows an officer to fire projectiles that can be filled with indelible paint to mark and identify rioters, or oleoresin capsicum, a form of irritant that has an effect similar to that of tear gas.
The weapon, parts of which will be painted orange to distinguish it from other equipment, will not compromise public safety or cause unnecessary injuries or causalities, said the SPF.
Another initiative being tried out is the Mobile Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) Test Centre, a police vehicle retrofitted with the analyser to facilitate tests on-site.
Early this year, the Traffic Police started a trial of using the mobile test centre, which allows them to accurately capture breath-alcohol readings on the spot.
For Community Policing Officers, the police are currently conducting a trial on the use of electric unicycles, which allow officers to mount and dismount quickly, to boost police
presence in the community. The four-month trial, which will end in July, will involve Jurong East and Sengkang Neighbourhood Police Centres.
The police are also exploring the use of the Unmanned Police Aerial Vehicle, which is equipped with blinkers, siren, searchlight and surveillance functions. It may be deployed to increase police presence and boost situational awareness.
From June, police officers involved in frontline patrol duties will also get to try ergonomically designed and lightweight load-bearing vests during a six-week trial.
The vest allows for better weight distribution of patrol equipment carried by officers, and will also enable them to carry additional equipment needed in certain situations.
Currently, officers carry their equipment on a utility belt around their waists.
The uniforms worn by frontline patrol officers will also be modified to integrate the new vest, and will be made from a material that allows better heat dissipation and faster evaporation
of perspiration.
However, these vests are different from the “smart vest system”, for which the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier called a tender for a prototype.
SPF vehicles, such as Traffic Police Motorbike and the Fast Response Car, will also see new updated designs, including the updated SPF crest, to increase the visibility and recognisability of the vehicles.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean said yesterday that he is glad to see the police are still continuing with their efforts to improve themselves in three specific areas — making stronger partnerships and taking community partnerships to the next level, making the best use of officers’ potential and making good use of technology.
