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10 May 2012, 9.39AM

2 comments & replies |by Sukhdev S Gill | Our Neighbourhood

In this era of uncertainty with international and regional terrorism on the rise, targetting innocent civilians, no one knows when such a situation can befell us.
Although complacency may be present in some segments of our society, there is no way we can forestall such a dastardly act, should it happen in our midst.
Lately, a spy from the American CIA infiltrated into a terrorist outfit and came out with stunning information about the plans to carry out acts of mass destruction around America and maybe the other parts of the world.
It may be possible that Singapore is prepared for such an eventuality and have people standing by to assist but this may not be enough.
The Hotel New World Collapse caught many people by surprise. Many civilians rushed to help. Even skilled tunnel engineers came to the rescue.
I wish to state that there are many skilled people among us (besides the police and civil defence), who are trained in dealing with acts of terrorism. One good and seldom thought of group are the many security officers on duty at vital installations. These people are properly trained and carefully assessed before they are certified by the SIRD (police establishment) and allowed to perform their duties.
This are the people that the authorities should concentrate on for such assistance. These security officers are given passes that show who they are. However, sadly, more often then not they are not taken into consideration. What may be the possible reasons is something beyond my understanding.
Just look at the many security officers deployed at the Airport Logistics Park ((ALPs). They guard vital installations and are NOT allowed to enter the "off-limits" of Changi Airport unless they change to Airport passes at the Passes Office which is manned by Malaysian uniformed people from Aetos, Certis Cisco and SATs.
On the other hand, workers working as cargo and baggage handlers by the many Logistics cmpanies are allowed to enter and exit the Airport "off-limit" areas because they are given permanent passes.
In the event of an emergency, who is the better candidate to assist the authorities. Surely the SIRD-certified ones and NOT the baggage and cargo handlers.
I hope the SIRD, Department of Civil Aviation and Changi Airort Group people will consider these suggestion and take immediate action to have these "forgotten" lot taken into consideration.

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Guest

13 May 2012, 12.33AM

Stinky Brainy Black Heart says,

please dont talk until like security guards are so smart and so good. to be a license security guard, one only has to attend 2 modules from a whole list of courses, the duration is 2 - 3 days full days.

you think Security Guard who having attended 2- 3 modules of these 2-3 days courses worth the salt? Furthermore, these guards are unarmed.

Terrorists are not interested in bombing cargoes. They want to kill people. How many of the Security Guard can handle armed Terrorists.

so please dont make such suggest to risk their lives. They are no match. 1 punch or 1 shot, they KO. RIP. Many of them are senior citizens.

Their presence is more of a deterrent of petty crimes , handle Security Incidents and maintain order.

Guest

13 May 2012, 11.26PM

This Stinky Brainy Black Heart says

he would like to ask the TS why he said that

"...there are many skilled people among us (besides the police and civil defence), who are trained in dealing with acts of terrorism"

Questions for the TS
:
1) do you mean you are skilled and trained in dealing with acts of terrorism? Your sentence seemed to suggest that. How many hours of training that your trained.

This Stinky Brainy attending ITE courses, 6-mth course with 120 hrs of training for each module (some 30 hrs theory, 90 hrs practical, some 60hrs theory, 60 hrs practical), still dont think anyone who attended such modules can be considered as SKILLED.

2) how do you know that the police and civil defence are trained to do the job? This Stinky Brainy Heart only knows that the Police and Civil Defence RESPONSE to call. Their actions are reactive not Proactive. Only AFTER the incident that they get involved. Have you heard of Fireman at the scene before the the spark starts a fire?

Please dont over exaggerate the skills of Security Guards (Officer, if you think the word "Officer" sounds better). Those who are qualified and experienced Security personnel are few. These people would not be present at the site to do guard duty. They sit in their aircon control room.

Getting the wrong people to do a dangerous job is a silly, unpardonable mistake.

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