SAF'S SECURITY SCREENING SYSTEMS, PROCEDURES SOUND

The Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) systems and procedures for the screening of personnel to assess their suitability to carry arms are sound, according to a review by a Higher Board of Inquiry (HBOI).

The HBOI was convened following the recent case where full-time National Serviceman Corporal (CPL) Dave Teo left Mandai Hill Camp with a SAR 21 rifle and five rounds of 5.56mm ammunition while on guard duty on 2 Sep.

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean disclosed the review findings in Parliament on 17 Sep.

He also updated the house on the preliminary findings by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the SAF on CPL Teo's case.

The HBOI findings showed that the systems and procedures for the issuance and use of arms and ammunition, the conduct of guard room duties, and post-incident reporting were sound.

"They allow SAF soldiers to carry out their duties and training, while deterring and detecting those who may seek to steal or make improper use of arms and ammunition, making it very difficult for anyone to do so," said Mr Teo.

CPL Teo, who was serving at the 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR), was assigned patrolling duties on the night of the incident.

Patrolling duties are supposed to be conducted on two-hour shifts and in pairs, to ensure mutual support and responsibility while on duty. Guards on patrol duties are also required to make situational reports to the guard room at half-hourly intervals.

However, these procedures were not carried out properly. This presented CPL Teo with an opportunity to jump off the far corner of the second floor parapet of the guardroom onto the car park.

Mr Teo said that since the incident, a thorough audit of the camp guard security and physical security of all SAF camps and guard rooms has been conducted.

It was found that SAF camps comply with the relevant orders and procedures, and that this was a problem localised to this particular unit. Most SAF camps also fully meet the physical security requirements, with a few requiring some minor improvements.

At Mandai Hill Camp, new convex mirrors have been installed to give guardroom personnel a clearer view of the immediate vicinity. Window grilles and a barbed fence have also been put up to minimise the possibility of similar incidents from happening again.

"All SAF units have reiterated the importance of adhering to orders and procedures, and the SAF has stepped up the frequency of security audits of all SAF camps to ensure compliance with stipulated camp guard procedures," said Mr Teo.

He added that while the reviews found the current systems to be adequate and sound, people still have to be relied on for the effective implementation of these procedures.

"The SAF will continue to focus on effective training and supervision to ensure that servicemen at all levels know the procedures and how to implement them," said Mr Teo.

"The SAF will also be increasing the frequency of security audits in the camps to ensure compliance with orders," he added.

MINDEF and the SAF are working closely with the Singapore Police Force in the ongoing investigations into CPL Teo's case.

To prevent similar incidents from happening, window grilles (above) and a barbed fence (below) have also been installed at the guard house.

17 Sep 07 -Reply by Minister Teo Chee Hean to Parliamentary Questions on CPL Dave Teo

03 Sep 07 - Missing SAF Serviceman Apprehended