Catholic Church expands security training across nearly all churches in Singapore

The Archdiocese of Singapore has expanded security training to 30 of its 32 churches. More than 3,500 priests and ministry members have completed the program over the last three years. The Archdiocese intends to implement the Threat-Oriented Person Screening Integrated System, or Topsis, in the final two churches by the end of the year.

Topsis is a Singapore Police Force program that trains personnel to identify high-risk individuals, conduct security questioning, and perform enhanced checks. The Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations, or Aero, manages this training to help staff recognize suspicious behavior and potential threats. Aero has increased its pool of volunteer trainers certified by the Singapore Police Force from five to 13.

On October 14, Sim Ann, Singapore’s second minister for foreign affairs and home affairs, presented the Archdiocese with a Topsis organizational award at the Orchard Hotel. Sim stated that the Archdiocese has maintained a culture of vigilance while keeping its places of worship open and welcoming.