Bodyguard and Security 2.pdf

IBSSA official publication 2006organization. We have to always stay one stepahead of them.Now how are we supposed to do this? We haveto adopt a new framework that emphasizes asecurity mindset when we deal with criminalcases. We have to develop a sense of vigilance inevery officer, and be alert to possible securityimplications. Even with the best technology andequipment, it will not be enough to stop terrorismunless we carry out policing with the appropriatemental models.We will have to adapt in the way we engagethe community in addressing safety and securityconcerns. In tackling the challenges of an increasinglycomplex and dynamic operating environment,we cannot work alone. Policing will have tobe part of the entire problem solving processwhere multiple agencies, representing variousinterests, are involved. Problems can only besolved through the collaborative efforts of all partiesinvolved, including the Police.Events in the past few years have underlinedthe importance of resilience as we strive towardsour mission in building a safe and secure World.Since the September 11 attacks in New York andWashington, some events threw us into unfamiliarterritory, forcing us to grapple with unprecedentedissues, and race against time to mitigateproblems which were evolving dynamically.When we dealt with Asian SARS, theIndonesian Tsunami disaster or the Pakistanearthquake, such shocks to our system cameunexpectedly without warning. As an organization,we had to react quickly, organize ourselvesand take control of situations outside comfortzone. We are proud to say that we have shownour mettle through these challenges.Another cornerstone of the strategy to counterterrorist and other criminal threats and the effectiveimplementation of a graduated response systemis the provision of reliable and timely intelligence.As terrorists have varied their method ofattack over the years, so also have they improvedtheir techniques and skills. To receive early warningof possible attacks, to keep abreast of changingthreats and to remain technically ahead of the terroristand other criminals capable of unlawful acts,it is essential that those responsible for security bediscerning consumers of intelligence. Early warningof threats or possible attacks against the publicare vital, to ensure that all involved agencies areable to implement preparatory and preventivemeasures in a timely and cost effective manner. Itis essential that available resources are effectivelydeployed to meet the known threat. It is in thislatter regard that good intelligence is essential.Ports and airports for instance were obvious targetsand have been secured by the International LawEnforcement officers. These are targets that theWorld anticipates that terrorists will go for. Howeverit is the soft targets that we should worry about: softtargets like the hotels and offices. There are so manyof these and we just can’t anticipate where the terroristwill be. So establishments like the soft targetsmust take proper precautions. At the same time, peopleshould not be overly anxious. Life should go onwithout too much worrying about terrorism.Importantly, all must stand united regardless of background,race and status to combat terrorism.For example, a terrorist attack may be the furthestthing from your mind when a footballmatch goes to penalties, but one terrorism expertthinks the comparison is useful.Professor Herbert Huppert of CambridgeUniversity believes the key to coping with an attackis not unlike that to winning a penalty shootout.People need to practice the drills and exercises againand again to remember them. This is how so manyBritons managed to survive the World War II air raids– by escaping to shelters such as underground tubestations as they had been taught. And why, in contrast,many Iraqi civilians, left to their own devices,died in air strikes during the US led invasion.People will behave differently depending on theleadership and the instructions they are given. Themost essential thing is to achieve communityinvolvement when dealing with terrorism and crimeapoint Singapore authorities have raised in the pastto prepare the public for a possible attack. The bestway to involve the public is for the government to beas open and truthful as possible about the terroristthreats. It is only when we understand the psychologyof the community; we can better equip ourselvesfor the consequences of any attack.In conclusion, in a dynamic and rapidly changingworld, the twin threats of crime and terrorism willcontinue to be very real and alive. Therefore, thecooperation of every citizen together with thepolice force is essential and vital to our survival. Nomatter what the challenges that lie ahead and whatthe future holds for Global arena, I hope we will notgive up hope and lose our mettle in our battleagainst Crime and Terrorism.Mr. Stephen CHEECountry Representativeof IBSSA for Singapore7