Quiz time. How many agencies comprise the Home Team in Singapore? The answer is 11 and if you can name all of them, then kudos to you. But if you’re not that familiar with what our officers at the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) or the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) do on a day-to-day basis, here’s your chance to find out.
The Home Team Festival 2023 will be happening at the Singapore Expo from 24th-26th November. You’ll get to see different Home Team Departments in action including a firefighting demonstration and drug-busting operation. Kids are most welcome to join in the fun too.
Look out for an operations demonstration by CNB’s Special Task Force.
Image adapted from: Central Narcotics Bureau
Apart from SCDF and CNB, the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and Singapore Prisons Services (SPS) will also be showcasing their capabilities through live demonstrations and simulations.
Image credit: Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Facebook
At the SCDF’s booth, you will get to experience using a 2kg fire extinguisher to fight a simulated fire – a pretty handy life skill to know. You can also find out what are some of the more common causes of fire, so that you can keep a look out for the dangers.
Take on the role of a narcotics officer searching for drugs in a simulated hideout.
Image adapted from: Central Narcotics Bureau
Most of us have probably never seen real drugs apart from the medicinal pills we take. At the festival, however, real cannabis will be on display so that one can learn what it looks and smells like as well as learn about the harms of drug abuse. You can also volunteer to role-play as a narcotics officer in the CNB Drug Buster game to search for drugs.
Plus, get to see the K–9 heroes in action and find out more about how they support our Home Team officers in their work.
Image credit: Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Facebook
There will be plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in simulations of real-life scenarios such as inspecting a vehicle for contraband items.
Image adapted from: Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Facebook
Make sure to check out the stage programme for each day via the Home Team Festival app as you won’t want to miss the various Home Team band performances either. The app will be available on the App Store and Google Play from 21st November 2023.
Look forward to skits revolving around the theme of fighting terrorism and performance drill showcases by student uniformed groups.
Representatives from the different agencies will be present to answer any questions you may have.
Image credit: Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Facebook
Image adapted from: Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Facebook
Young ones are free to participate in most of the activities happening during the festival but there will also be a dedicated Kids Zone. This space is specially designed for kids aged between 2 and 12 years old to learn about their respective duties.
The kids will be able to extinguish a digital fire, search a mock up prison cell for contraband items, and drive mini versions of the Home Team operations vehicles.
Image adapted from: Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Facebook
Perhaps one of the more exciting activities would be at the shooting range. It’s a rare chance for the public to fire a real weapon used by Home Team officers during public order incidents or prison riots. Don’t worry, you’ll be handling specialised less-lethal weapons under the watchful eye of SPF and SPS officers.
Do note that this activity is only open to those 1.2m or taller due to safety concerns.
Another highlight is the crime-solving and fingerprint booth set up by SPF where one can gain knowledge about basic criminal forensics. Also, get the chance to lift your own fingerprints and bring home a personalised bookmark as a memento.
Image credit: Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Facebook
For the best photo ops, head straight to the vehicular display to see 11 vehicles including a police patrol car and the latest Tactical Strike Vehicle.
Last but not least, check out new technologies and gadgets developed by Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) that our agencies are using to better face security threats. One of the robots known as “Baby Rover” will be displayed at the festival to give the public a shot at navigating the robot on different terrains.
Image credit: Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Facebook
There’s no better event to get acquainted with what Singapore’s Home Team agencies are up to daily to keep the country safe. Not only do you get hands-on experience with their tasks, but you also get to learn many useful life skills. All while teaching the kids how to stay vigilant.
Location: Singapore Expo Hall 4
Date & Time:
This post was brought to you by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Cover image adapted from: Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Facebook
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