TransCom Police Officers: Safeguarding Our Public Transport Network

TransCom Police Officers. (Photo: Muhamad Khair/MHA)

If you travel on the public transport network regularly, you might have chanced upon a familiar group of uniformed personnel, donning blue uniforms and light grey-coloured berets.

They are officers of the Public Transport Security Command, more commonly known as the TransCom Officers, from the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

Here’s how they keep you safe and our public transport network secure for our daily commuting, and find out how you can contribute!

The History of TransCom’s Beginnings

Police MRT Unit

Officers from the Police MRT Unit in 2005. (Photo: Singapore Police Force/Facebook)

Established in 2005, the Police MRT Unit (PMU) was formed as a component unit of the Special Operations Command.

It aims to tighten security on the public transport network, in response to the London and Mumbai attacks.

Public Transport Security Command

TransCom officers interacting with SMRT staff. (Photo: Singapore Police Force/Facebook)

In 2009, the PMU was upgraded into an independent specialist unit in the SPF and took its present name.

It signifies the TransCom’s expanded role to oversee and manage all policing efforts throughout the public transport network in Singapore.

How Do TransCom Officers Keep Everyone Safe?

TransCom officers patrolling Stadium MRT station. (Photo: Muhamad Khair/MHA)

TransCom officers are specialists trained to operate in large crowds. They handle security checks, to detection and handling of hostile articles.

The main task for the Foot Patrol Group (FPG), a unit within TransCom, is the conduct of high visibility foot patrols within the train network.

FPGs detect and deter crime and terrorism, and are usually the first resources despatched to incidents reported in the public transport system.

I Need Assistance On Board, What Should I Do?

TransCom officers on board an MRT train. (Photo: Muhamad Khair/MHA)

Here are a few things you can do if you see any suspicious-looking person or article.

You can activate the Emergency Communication Button, located at the side of the train doors.

In the event of an emergency, do not hesitate to Call 999 or SMS 71999.

Are There Ways for Me To Contribute?

Community Watch Scheme (CWS). (Infographic: Singapore Police Force/Facebook)

Stay Vigilant During Your Commute

You can stay vigilant and look out for and report suspicious-looking people or articles.

But don’t anyhow kaypoh on people when you travel!

Volunteer for the Community Watch Scheme

The SPF has launched the Community Watch Scheme (CWS) on Dec 11, 2021, where volunteers can get updates on the latest crime information, alerts and crime prevention measures.

Tailored to a volunteer’s areas of interest upon registration, volunteers can also get access to relevant training and events.

Check Out Other Related Posts

Here’s How ‘Rovers’ on Driverless MRT Trains Keep the Train Network Smoothly Operated!

Emergency Preparedness Exercise at Serangoon MRT Station on Dec 7, 2021

Decommissioned Siemens C651 Trains Repurposed for Training with Singapore Police Force

External Links
“?????? ? ???? ???” – Singapore Police Force/Facebook [Accessed 24 Dec 2021]
“[SPF Community Watch Scheme: Our Actions Count]” – Singapore Police Force/Facebook [Accessed 24 Dec 2021]
“Police Heritage Story – Volunteering with Police’s Riders on Watch (ROW)” – Singapore Police Force/Facebook [Accessed 24 Dec 2021]
“Our SPF200 Heritage – The Police MRT Unit (PMU)” – Singapore Police Force/Facebook [Accessed 24 Dec 2021]
“Mobilising the Force to Counter Terrorism” – The Singapore Police Force Magazine Volume 42 No. 2 – SPF [Accessed 24 Dec 2021]
Specialist and Line Units – SPF [Accessed 24 Dec 2021]

Images credits to Singapore Police Force/Facebook, Muhamad Khair/MHA and Singapore Police Force/Facebook