The Singapore Police Force (SPF) demonstrated for the first time how post- blast investigations (PBI) are conducted during “Exercise Heartbeat” - a counter- terrorism and emergency preparedness exercise held at the Singapore Sports Hub on 15 April 2025. Exercise Heartbeat was organised by the SPF, supported by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), in close collaboration with Kallang Alive Sport Management (KASM). Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development, attended as the Guest-of-Honour.
With more large-scale concerts and lifestyle events held at the Singapore Sports Hub, this exercise strengthens our emergency preparedness against potential terror threats in diverse urban environments. It also underscores KASM’s continued strong support for SGSecure and its commitment to ensuring the safety of all visitors to the Singapore Sports Hub.
Adopting an informative “show and tell” format, Exercise Heartbeat involved a simulated terror attack comprising armed terrorists and a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. The exercise demonstrated the capabilities of, and coordination between the Home Team agencies and our stakeholders in responding to a terror attack. At the exercise, SPF showcased how its post-blast investigations (PBI) capabilities are a crucial part of SPF’s operational contingency capabilities. For instance, the forensic examination of improvised explosive devices (IED) fragments at a post-blast scene can provide useful investigative leads on the structure and construction of the IED. In examining the scene for leads, SPF’s Investigation Officers will exercise their investigation and forensic expertise to process bomb blast scenes, through the documentating the scenes, recovery of critical evidence and bomb reconstructions.
This scenario saw the SPF, SCDF, SAF, KASM, and community stakeholders working closely together to respond to the attacks. During the exercise, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group from the SAF safely and successfully neutralised an on-site IED. Our stakeholders showcased their application of the key SGSecure advisories "Run, Hide, Tell" and "Press, Tie, Tell" (or improvised first aid) prior to the arrival of SPF and SCDF. These swift actions demonstrated how trained community members can save lives and minimise casualties during crises.
Every member of our community, including our premise owners, plays a vital role in building our resilience against terror attacks, and maintaining vigilance at workplaces, neighbourhoods, and shared spaces where we live, work, and play. Acting quickly is crucial, as the impact of a terror attack extends beyond the immediate point of attack. These actions can save lives, prevent catastrophic outcomes, and help our nation recover quickly from a crisis. For more information on how you can help keep our home safe from terrorism, please visit the @SGSecureOfficial Instagram or SGSecure website (www.sgsecure.gov.sg).
MOS Sun Xueling and SAC Justin Wong, Commander of Bedok Police Division, interacting with exercise participants
SPF officers neutralising the attack
Simulation of car explosion
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
15 April 2025 @ 5:25 PM