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SINGAPORE – To improve their presence and allow rapid intervention in park connectors, the police are testing a new technological framework that will allow park visitors to request and receive help quickly.
The “Police Beacon,” a structure made up of closed-circuit television cameras and a communications button linked to the police operations command center, allows command center officers to observe and speak with park goers.
The first prototype beacon was launched on Friday (December 11) at the Punggol Waterway Park Connector by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Desmond Tan. The second prototype at Sengkang Riverside Park will be operational later this month.
In addition to communication capabilities, the structures also have warning features, such as a siren, speakers, flashing lights, and spotlights.
Additionally, the beacons have automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and the police receive an alert when members of the public access them.
Officers at the command center will assess the situation and mobilize emergency medical services as needed.
An electronic screen attached to the beacons displays crime prevention messages. The police will monitor calls and live video streaming from these structures at a separate workstation in the command center.
Tan said that the beacons allow “the immediate mitigation of incidents” through alert systems, such as the activation of lights and public announcements.
“Hopefully this will allow members of the public to have some assurance that the police are supporting them as the response team tries to get there as soon as possible,” he said during the launch event on Friday.
Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Lionel Lee, operations officer for the police’s Future Operations and Planning Division, said the park connectors were chosen as the areas are relatively more isolated and have less police surveillance.
Police already have a strong presence in busy areas such as the Orchard Belt, which is well covered by surveillance technology and police patrols, he said.
He added that both prototypes will be tested for a year. If the test is successful, the force will seek to deploy more beacons at park connectors and other public spaces.
The beacon technology was developed in collaboration with the National Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) over the past year.
Although the components of the beacon are not new, Victor Yuen of HTX, chief of operations systems at the agency’s Police Program Management Center, said the innovation here lies in integrating such technology into the workflow of the beacon. policeman.
DSP Lee added: “The Singapore Police will continue to explore and adopt technology that enhances our capabilities to keep Singapore safe.”
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