Fast Response Car
Singapore Police Force land division officers typically respond to calls in rapid-deployment vehicles now known as the Fast Response Car (FRC) which are the main police cars in Singapore. Prior to 2000, they were known in public simply as police patrol cars.
Fast Response Cars are usually composed of Japanese-made saloon cars. Most commonly seen are the Toyota Corolla Altis and the Hyundai Elantra. Around 2000, Nissan Sunny and Subaru Impreza[1] sedans were added to the fleet. Unlike civilian vehicles in Singapore in which speed limiters (speed governors) are installed to prevent over-speeding, Police Fast Response Cars are able to reach their maximum speed potential without hindrance when the need arises.
Originally restricted to team leader vehicles during the 1990s, all current FRCs carry a large array of equipment to allow officers to conduct normal policing duties and basic investigative work which officers are expected to perform with the implementation of the Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) system. A typical FRC vehicle may therefore stock equipment for the force-opening of locked doors, conducting roadblocks, fingerprint collection, and the provision of first aid. Chemical agent protection equipment and bulletproof vests are also carried for the officer's protection.
The Mitsubishi Galant and Opel Astra series of FRCs, which were bought in very limited numbers, were the only police cars in local history to use aerodynamically designed light bars, all other police vehicles to date use the block shaped design.
List of Police Patrol Cars in Singapore History
Current
Make and Model | Type | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
BMW F30 325D M Sport | Sedan | 2018–present | Only used by the Traffic Police Expressway Patrol Unit |
Chevrolet Cruze NB 1.6D | Sedan | 2016–present | |
Hyundai Avante HD 1.6 | Sedan | 2010–present | |
Hyundai Elantra MD 1.6 | Sedan | 2014-present | |
Hyundai Sonata NF 2.0 | Sedan | 2011–present | |
Hyundai TL Tucson FL 1.6 GLS | SUV | 2020–present | Approximately 300 vehicles to be delivered through 2024. |
Subaru Impreza (2004) | Sedan | 2006–present | Currently only used for follow-up investigations. |
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (E120) | Sedan | 2005–present | Currently only used for follow-up investigations. |
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (E140) | Sedan | 2009–present | |
Volvo S80 T5 2.0 | Sedan | 2012–present | Only used by the Traffic Police Expressway Patrol Unit |
Defunct
- Mazda 323 BJ (1999) (1999-2020)
- Isuzu Gemini (1991-1995)
- Mitsubishi Lancer (1989-2006)
- Mitsubishi Galant (1989-1999)
- Nissan Pulsar (1982-1995)
- Nissan Sunny (B15) (2004-2010)
- Opel Astra (1995-2000)
- Subaru WRX (2005-2013) (Traffic Police)
- Toyota Corolla (1982-2012)
- Volkswagen Beetle (1968-1982)
Gallery
- A Toyota Corolla Altis police car at Suntec City during Singapore 2006
- A Subaru Impreza fast response car at Suntec City Mall.
- A Hyundai Elantra Fast Response Car in Singapore in 2016
- Toyota Corolla Altis wearing the new Singapore Police Force livery
See also
Notes & references
- Goh, J. (May 2006). "SPF's New Fleet Hits the Road". Police Life Monthly. Vol. 32. Singapore Police Force. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2007-06-04. Retrieved 2006-12-29.
- They are not to be confused with the Subaru Impreza WRX used by the Traffic Police.