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Working as one: How S’pore’s security forces collaborate behind the scenes to keep the nation safe
From crime-fighting on the ground to cutting-edge tech in the skies, the Home Team’s evolution shows how innovation and teamwork have safeguarded the nation through the decades and into the future
Over decades, the Home Team has grown into a unified force committed to keeping Singapore safe.
PHOTO: SPH MEDIA
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Today’s threats move fast – and so does the Home Team
From past to present: Watch how the Home Team was formed
But the nation’s safety did not happen by chance. It is the result of decades of dedication, innovation and strong inter-agency collaboration and community support.
From its beginnings as separate departments to today’s united, tech-enabled force, the Home Team has grown with one mission in mind – to keep Singapore safe, resilient and ready for whatever lies ahead. Trace some of the Home Team’s key milestones and developments captured in The Straits Times headlines.
From once operating independently to now co-developing intelligent systems across different agencies, the Home Team’s integrated approach is built on a shared mission – keeping Singapore safe and secure.
It was not always this way. Previously, each Home Team department, under the purview of MHA, had their own specific role.
However, as safety challenges became more complex, there was a need for agencies to work closely together. In response, the Home Team concept was launched in 1997 to take a unified approach. Its role evolved further with the 2006 launch of the Home Team Academy, aimed at sharpening skills across the various forces.
In 2019, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) was established to develop customised tech solutions and grow organic capabilities for the Home Team.
When a deadly earthquake hit Myanmar on March 28, cyborg cockroaches – tiny, tech-enhanced insects – grabbed global attention. Co-developed by HTX, they crawled into collapsed buildings, sending real-time data to help rescuers locate survivors trapped in spaces too small for humans.
Back home, more inter-agency innovations continue to strengthen emergency response – from the Traffic Priority System that clears the way for ambulances, to updated police tactics including elite motorcycle units, pepper spray launchers and K-9 support for faster, more agile riot control.
With new threats emerging and technology transforming rapidly, the Home Team harnesses digital innovation to stay one step ahead.
AI-driven analysis, biometrics, smart command centres, and autonomous response tools are just some of the new ways being deployed to keep Singapore safe. These advancements reflect not just cutting-edge tech, but the strength of inter-agency collaboration powering them.
By pooling expertise and resources across agencies, the Home Team has over the years not only stayed ahead of evolving threats but also set new benchmarks in operational readiness, public safety and life-saving capabilities.
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*This video was produced for Home Team Day 2024.
