Special Tactics and Rescue (Singapore)
| Special Tactics and Rescue | |
|---|---|
Special Tactics and Rescue Insignia
|
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| Active | (PTT) 197? – 1 November 1993 (STAR) 1 November 1993 – Present |
| Country |
 Singapore |
| Branch | Singapore Police Force |
| Type | Special Forces |
| Role | Domestic Counter-Terrorism and Law Enforcement |
| Size | Classified |
| Part of | Special Operations Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Queensway Base |
| Nickname(s) | Police Commandos, STAR Unit |
| Motto(s) | Vigilance, Valour, Victory |
| Engagements | Arrest of Dave Teo Ming |
| Decorations | 1994 Johore Shield Team, 1995 Johore Shield Team, 1995 SAPU & STAR Challenge Shield Team, 1996 Johore Shield Team, 1996 ISPSC Team, 1997 ISPC Team, 1997 SAF Invitation Team, 1997 World Police & Fire Games, 1998 ISPC Team, 1999 ISPC Team, 1999 SAF Invitation Team, 2000 ISPC Team, 2001 ISPC Team, 2002 Singapore Shooting Festival Team, 2002 CNB Invitation, 2002 Thailand Open National Championship Team |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Superintendent Desmond Chua Boon Teck |
| Notable commanders |
Cyril V Gabriel (Pioneer OC, 1978) Patrick Tay |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
STAR Insignia |
Coordinates: 1°17′42.41″N 103°48′01.76″E / 1.2951139°N 103.8004889°E
The Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR, Chinese: 警察特工队) is the elite SWAT equivalent of the Singapore Police Force. Its official task is to provide the Singapore police with a tactical armed-response capability, and its motto is "Vigilance, Valour, Victory".
STAR started off in the late 1970s as a part-time outfit called the Police Tactical Team (PTT), and was mainly used to contain civil disorder. During the early days, the Police Tactical Team was a motley crew of volunteer officers from the Police Task Force (PTF), who served even on their days off for a monthly allowance of $50.
The PTT, although drawing expertise from the PTF, were still limited in their operational readiness, skills and capability. Resulting from the need to provide the Singapore Police Force with a dedicated armed response team, with expertise assistance of Hong Kong Police Force's Special Duties Unit, the PTT was re-formed into STAR under the Special Operations Command on 1 November 1993.
The unit is known for resolving cases assigned to them without being engaged in gunfights in Singapore.
Prior to the September 11, 2001 attacks, the role of STAR was to engage in neutralising armed and dangerous criminals, to resolve urban sieges that may involve hostages or firearms, protection of VIPs and escorting of particularly dangerous prisoners.
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Wikipedia