Police & partners test emergency readiness in Singapore's shopping belt

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and its partners tested their emergency readiness with an exercise simulating a terrorist swarm attack in the heart of Singapore's shopping belt.
'Exercise Heartbeat Echo' was conducted at ION Orchard from 7am to 8.30am on Tuesday.

About 150 personnel from the SPF, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, ION Orchard and SMRT took part in the exercise. 

The SPF said it was another in a series of exercises to help the Security Watch Group (SSWG) members and the Home Team agencies work better together and respond effectively to crime and terrorism threats. 

The SSWG scheme started in 2006 and serves as a platform for the business community and the Home Team agencies to jointly address the community's safety and security concerns. 

There are about 1,000 SSWG members islandwide. 

Acting Commander of Tanglin Police Division, Superintendent of Police Loke Wai Yew said: 

"Being prepared is key towards enhancing our responses to emergencies. We are encouraged by the strong support from the SSWG community and welcome more business operators to join as SSWG members."