In the line of fire while protecting a VIP

Elite officers of Police Security Command demonstrate what it takes to ensure VIPs' safety

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Meet the team of elite officers from the Police Security Command, who put their lives on the line to protect the President, ministers and foreign dignitaries.
Left: ST journalist Charmaine Ng, assuming the role of a VIP in this simulation exercise, being whisked away to a getaway car by Police Security Command officers after the four-car VIP convoy was "attacked" by gunfire. Right: Police SecCom officers (
ST journalist Charmaine Ng, assuming the role of a VIP in this simulation exercise, being whisked away to a getaway car by Police Security Command officers after the four-car VIP convoy was "attacked" by gunfire. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Left: ST journalist Charmaine Ng, assuming the role of a VIP in this simulation exercise, being whisked away to a getaway car by Police Security Command officers after the four-car VIP convoy was "attacked" by gunfire. Right: Police SecCom officers (
Police SecCom officers (in white Volvo cars) demonstrating defensive driving tactics. The dark green car is a "terrorist" vehicle. The exercise was held at the Home Team Tactical Centre on May 23. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Left: ST journalist Charmaine Ng, assuming the role of a VIP in this simulation exercise, being whisked away to a getaway car by Police Security Command officers after the four-car VIP convoy was "attacked" by gunfire. Right: Police SecCom officers (
Police Security Command Staff Sergeant Joyce Chong and the head of operations and intel, Superintendent Chan Hee Keong. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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As shots were "fired", the security officer who was riding shotgun climbed over the seat back into the rear passenger seat and handed the "VIP" a bulletproof vest.

"Ma'am, I need you to wear this," she said, her voice scarcely audible over the ensuing chaos. "I have to transfer you to the back-up vehicle," she said decisively.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 25, 2018, with the headline In the line of fire while protecting a VIP. Subscribe