Anti-terror training for security officers

Security officers will be given training by 2020 to recognise potential terror threats, in a bid to better equip them to detect and deter potential attacks.

All security officers, except for those deployed at warehouses and condominiums, will be required to complete a two-day Workforce Skills Qualifications course by Jan 1, 2020, the police said yesterday.

The course will cover current trends in terrorism, as well as observational skills to identify threats such as improvised explosive devices, and protocols to deal with such threats.

The police said in a statement: "Security officers have traditionally played an important role in helping to secure properties such as homes and commercial premises, and generally deter crime in Singapore.

"Given the rising threat of terrorism, there is a need to further raise their skills and competencies."

Attacks overseas have shown that well-trained security officers are able to detect and deter terrorist attacks, the statement added.

The police estimate that 80 per cent of the 47,000 active security officers currently deployed at sites such as schools, and commercial and government buildings will need to complete the training.

The requirement may subsequently be extended to all security officers, the police said.

Those who do not complete the training by the deadline will still be able to retain their licences, but can be deployed at only warehouses and condominiums.

Licensed security officers are trained in guard and patrol services, and in handling security incidents.

The training is one of several efforts in recent years to boost Singapore's readiness in the event of a terrorist attack.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 20, 2017, with the headline Anti-terror training for security officers. Subscribe