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NParks officers to undergo training in self-defence skills

SINGAPORE — With its enforcement officers encountering verbal and physical abuse while on patrol — one had to be hospitalised after being attacked by litterbugs several years ago — the National Parks Board (NParks) is looking to beef up self-defence training for its enforcement unit.

NParks enforcement officers frequently patrol Singapore’s parks, nature areas and park connectors at different times of the day, including at night. They ensure these spots are safe for users. PHOTO: OOI BOON KEONG

NParks enforcement officers frequently patrol Singapore’s parks, nature areas and park connectors at different times of the day, including at night. They ensure these spots are safe for users. PHOTO: OOI BOON KEONG

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SINGAPORE — With its enforcement officers encountering verbal and physical abuse while on patrol — one had to be hospitalised after being attacked by litterbugs several years ago — the National Parks Board (NParks) is looking to beef up self-defence training for its enforcement unit.

Besides being taught to de-escalate situations, NParks enforcement officers will be trained to restrain and subdue violent individuals “quickly and effortlessly”, defend themselves when wrestled or tackled, and use unarmed defence tactics against armed assailants.

They will also be taught to use pressure points to control an aggressive person and apprehend such individuals using teamwork, “all while maintaining a professional bearing and presence”, said a tender document posted on GeBIZ, the government procurement website, last week.

Up to 24 officers may undergo the basic training on self-defence tactics, said the tender, which closes on Monday. The structured training programme is an enhancement to the basic knowledge of self-defence provided to all its enforcement officers, said NParks’ Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Leong Chee Chiew, who called the training a “pre-emptive step” to ensure staff members are able to protect themselves.

“All our enforcement officers are provided with the basic knowledge of self-defence. We are enhancing this by providing the enforcement team with a more structured training programme. This training programme also covers how our officers should respond to confrontational situations,” Dr Leong said.

NParks enforcement officers frequently patrol Singapore’s parks, nature areas and park connectors at different times of the day, including at night. They ensure these spots are safe for users and would be on the lookout for activities, such as illegal fishing or littering.

As a precaution, the officers conduct patrols in pairs and carry cameras for documentation.

Dr Leong said there has not been an increasing trend of confrontation and abuse encountered by its officers.

Seven cases were recorded in 2012, two cases were recorded last year and there have been eight cases so far this year. But in 2008, a female officer suffered multiple injuries and was hospitalised after being assaulted by a group of six litterbugs in East Coast Park who refused to provide their particulars when asked. The offenders were eventually charged in court.

Dr Leong did not reveal the size of NParks’ enforcement team, but said its staff in parks and nature reserves also take on enforcement duties when necessary.

“We value the well-being of all our officers and would like to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills to be able to carry out their duties safely,” he said. NEO CHAI CHIN

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