The Special Operations Command (SOC) is a specialist tactical unit of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) specialising in riot control and high-threat incidents. It was formed on 10 September 1992 to unify specialist units into a single strategic reserve force that the regular officers need to call upon in any contingency plan and serious case of public disorder.

The current commander of the SOC is Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Arthur Law Kok Leong and the deputy commander is Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) Koh Tee Meng.

Structure and units

There are multiple full-time units under the SOC:

  • Police Tactical Unit (PTU)
  • Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR)
  • Police K-9 Unit

In addition, there are auxiliary units who hold primary duties elsewhere in the SPF but have secondary appointments in these units when needed:

During the merger of Singapore and Malaysia, the RU was supplemented by manpower from the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) of Malaysia. When Singapore was subsequently expelled from Malaysia on 9 August 1965, the FRU withdrew from Singapore and the RU had to train additional officers to occupy the vacancies.

1965–present: Post-independence

It was renamed the Police Reserve Unit (PRU). By late 1965, there were 5 PRUs totalling 15 troops.

The SOC also sets up and coordinates the specially trained Peacekeeping Force personnel for missions overseas under command of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

Engagements

  • May 1955: Hock Lee bus riots
  • On 17 May 1978, SGT Toh Say Tin from the PRU 1 was on special duties when he slipped and fell overboard while attempting to board a boat from marine police speedboat PA 6 off Marine Parade. A non-swimmer, he was not wearing a life vest, and was swept away by the currents. His body was found on 19 May 1978 about eight kilometres from the incident.

Equipment

thumb|A red Tactical Vehicle (TAV) or 'Ang Chia' used by the Special Operations Command, PTU

The SOC has been reported to use the following firearms:

{| class="wikitable"

!Model

!Type

!Origin

|-

|CZ P-07

| rowspan="2" |Semi-automatic pistol

|

|-

|HK USP

| rowspan="3" |

|-

|HK MP5

|Submachine gun

|-

|HK69

|Grenade launcher

|-

|FN SCAR

|Assault rifle

|

|-

|Taurus M85

|Revolver

|

|-

|P4.1 VKS

|Less lethal

|

|}

References

  • Singapore Police Force Special Operations Command