A post-blast investigations (PBI) training exercise codenamed “Exercise Solar Wind VI” was held in Brunei from 4 to 7 November 2024. The exercise was jointly conducted by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), supported by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). The exercise, involving close to 130 participants, is part of SPF’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational readiness in PBI and strengthen working relationships with local and foreign agencies.
PBI is a crucial contingency capability of the SPF, especially with the existing threat of terrorism. For instance, the forensic examination of improvised explosive devices (IED) fragments at a post-blast scene can provide useful investigative leads to Investigation Officers (IOs) on the structure and construction of the IED. On-scene screening and analysis by HTX Forensics Centre of Expertise also provides IOs with preliminary forensic analysis and findings, as well as actionable forensic intelligence on the type of explosives and device used, to drive their investigation. Such information is critical to quickly identify perpetrators, prevent further harm or damage, and support subsequent prosecution.
To ensure that SPF remains operationally ready and competent to deal with bomb blast incidents, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) works closely with local and foreign stakeholders to improve PBI capabilities and to stay abreast of emerging trends. This includes conducting PBI training exercises such as the biennial Exercise Solar Wind and the Post-Blast Investigation Basic and Refresher Course to equip officers with the necessary skills in conducting PBI.
During this sixth edition of Exercise Solar Wind, IOs from the SPF and Crime Scene Specialists from HTX collaborated closely to manage and investigate bomb blast scenes involving IEDs. Officers honed their skills in PBI through a series of simulated IED detonations based on past incidents and known modus operandi, achieving realistic training outcomes. For this exercise, scientists and pathologists from HSA also participated to examine and recover post-blast components embedded within the tissues of ‘post-blast body parts’ using animal carcasses. They examined the post-blast effects on the carcasses and conducted victim identification using DNA analysis.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation & Intelligence), Mr Zhang Weihan said, “Exercise Solar Wind is an important platform for SPF to hone our post-blast investigation (PBI) capabilities and validate contingency plans. This year, we were able to test out the effects of different explosive devices and exercise the multi-agency response in the field. The exercise also allowed officers from Singapore and Brunei to exchange best practices. We thank the RBPF for their strong support and look forward to future collaborations.”
Photo 1: Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation & Intelligence), Mr Zhang Weihan and Assistant Commissioner of Police Hj Azree bin Hj Abdul Manaf, Director of Criminal Investigation Department with exercise participants at a bomb blast site ▼
Photo 2: Exercise participants conducting PBI ▼
Photo 3: Exercise participant collecting sample during PBI ▼
Photo 4: Detonation of IED at one of the post-blast sites ▼
Photo 5: Post-blast scene of van after detonation of vehicle-borne IED ▼
Photo 6: Post-blast scene of car after detonation of vehicle-borne IED ▼
Further Information on Exercise Solar Wind VI
Since its inception in 2014, there have been five Solar Wind exercises conducted - in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022. The sixth edition of Solar Wind, codenamed “Exercise Solar Wind VI”, was held in Brunei from 4 to 7 November 2024.
There were two related scenarios for this exercise, involving five explosions in total to simulate vehicle-borne IEDs, and homemade backpack IEDs.
Exercise participants from the SPF and RBPF worked together to conduct PBI at the live post-blast sites to determine how the explosions had occurred and examine the scene for leads to identify the perpetrators. This included response to the incident, documentation of the scene, recovery and sorting of exhibits and reconstruction of the IED. This year, the set up of a field mortuary was also exercised to carry out immediate forensic examinations on simulated post-blast victim bodies to recover forensic evidence that could aid in identifying the perpetrators.
Through Exercise Solar Wind VI, officers continue to sharpen their post-blast investigation skills and hone their working relationship with their foreign counterparts. The joint training exercise is also an important platform for SPF to reinforce our strong training ties and relationship with the RBPF.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
25 November 2024 @ 6:00 PM