SPF unveils new weapons to control peasant revolt after PAP loses next GE

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New weapons for police to handle riots, unveiled at Workplan seminar

The gadgets include the P4.1 - a weapon filled with either indelible paint or an irritant, Unmanned Police Aerial Vehicles, lightweight load-bearing vests for officers performing frontline patrol duties and electric unicycles for neighbourhood patrols.

SINGAPORE: More is being done to help the men in blue better resolve violent public order incidents like 2013's Little India riot.

In the next few months, Police Tactical Unit Officers from the Special Operations Command will be equipped with a less lethal weapon - called the P4.1 - which can be used against violent suspects who pose a physical threat to the public or to police officers.

The weapon - which resembles a rifle - allows the officer to launch a projectile that is either filled with indelible paint to mark and identify rioters, or filled with Oleoresin Capsicum - an irritant which has a similar effect to tear gas. The weapon - painted orange to distinguish it from other equipment - will not compromise public safety or cause unnecessary injuries or casualties.

The police force is also exploring the use of Unmanned Police Aerial Vehicles to enhance policing capabilities during public order situations. The drone will come equipped with blinkers, siren, searchlight, and surveillance functions. It could be deployed to increase police presence and boost situational awareness.

These gadgets were unveiled at the Police's annual workplan seminar on Friday (Apr 24).

LIGHTWEIGHT LOAD-BEARING VESTS BE TRIALLED FROM JUNE 2015

It is not just the officers handling bigger-scale incidents who are getting a boost. From June 2015, police officers who perform frontline patrol duties will get to trial ergonomically designed and lightweight load-bearing vests. The aim is have better weight distribution of patrol equipment carried by officers, and provide capacity to accommodate additional equipment needed in certain situations.

Currently, officers carry their their equipment on a utility belt around their waists. The trial will be conducted at Ang Mo Kio North Police Centre.
The uniforms worn by frontline patrol officers will also be modified to better integrate with the new vest - and the uniforms will be made from a material that allows better heat dissipation and breathability.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PATROLS ON... ELECTRIC UNICYCLES?

Residents could also soon see police officers on electric unicycles patrolling their neighbourhood. A trial is currently underway, involving community policing officers at Jurong East and Sengkang Neighbourhood Police Centres.

These will augment police presence on the ground and complement current modes of patrol such as foot and bicycle patrols.

Electric unicycles will allow officers to cover more ground compared to foot patrols, and are more portable compared to bicycles. The trial ends on Jul 31, 2015.


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