Police officers patrolling on bikes and in polo tees will become a fixture in even more neighbourhoods by the end of the year. The community policing system (COPS) will be rolled out to a total of 12 neighbourhood police centres (NPCs) by the end of 2013, which will bring the total number of NPCs that have adopted the model to 20 since it was introduced in May 2012.

This was announced at this year's annual police Workplan Seminar on Friday. The police also showcased a number of new surveillance technologies, such as a pole-camera for surveying inaccessible areas, and a superzoom closed-circuit television camera that will be installed on buildings in the city starting next year to act as eyes-in-the-sky.

"Technology will allow the police to continue to deliver high quality professional services to the public, while optimising the allocation of manpower resources," said Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran in his keynote address to Home Team officers.

Attendees were also treated to a dramatic demonstration in the Home Team Academy Parade Square where officers dispersed a mock protest involving over a hundred demonstrators burning bins and barricades, with water cannons and anti-riot tactics. A dialogue session was also held where over 200 tertiary students spoke with Mr Iswaran on safety and security issues facing Singapore.