Home Team Academy enhances officer training with AI tools

Caption language: en · Fetched: 2026-09-10

Virtual firearms training, AI-powered learning, and combined simulation exercises, these are among new capabilities that Home Team Academy officers are getting prepared them for changing complexities of operations. Nick Kew Carter reports. >> A situation turns deadly. Officers storm in to neutralize the active shooters with every move demanding split-second judgment. That's what this new virtual shooting range is designed to help officers sharpen using replica weapons with recoil and sound. >> Realistic scenarios like this one are also incorporated into this shooting range. The aim is to train officers to develop better judgment under pressure and sharpen their decision-making skills for real-time operations. >> Still in development, the range also lets officers hone their marksmanship and weapon handling in a safe environment.

Real-time data will help them track progress. It's one of five priorities laid out by the Home Team Academy to transform training for evolving operations. Also on the list, AI-powered training, a shared simulation system for officers across departments to train together concurrently for complex scenarios, and new and upgraded training facilities. Second Home Affairs Minister Edwin Tong says these are key for more dynamic and challenging operations. >> Coming together, we must take care and be concerted in and be very intentional in raising training standards. It must have an outcome. And that outcome must be better training, stronger officers, closer Home Team integration, and more effective operational readiness and control. And ultimately, that is the best measure of our success.

>> A refreshed Home Team Gallery will now also open to the public. With more interactive exhibits revisiting defining incidents in Singapore's history. New Home Team Academy artifacts and recent national crises have also been added while exhibits now include new evolving threats and the technology used to meet others. AI is also giving some of its pioneers a voice again to pass on lessons such as those learned from prison operations through the years to a new generation. >> When we first started, we had no knowledge. With this new elements coming in, it enhances your training methods and it improves your tactics. >> Games have also been included offering visitors a first-hand look at what it takes to keep Singapore safe.