The Crime Suppression Division's Hanuman special task force has strengthened its operations with a drone unit, together with undergoing a tactical firearms course taught by Israeli police.
The SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) unit is code-named "Hanuman" after the monkey king in Ramakien, Thai literature adapted from the Indian epic, Ramayana.
The Hanuman unit is to replace a commando unit that has been reassigned to provide security for His Majesty the King and the royal family members.
Originally established to take high-level security operations which require specialised personnel and weapons, Hanuman officers must take part in specialised training programmes, including anti-terrorism courses and advanced SWAT tactical training with international agencies.
"Drones will play an important role in helping to survey and maintain order in areas ordinary police cannot approach. They will also help perform highly targeted attacks where necessary, such as in cases like the shooting spree in Nakhon Ratchasima last year," Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, deputy commissioner of Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), told the Bangkok Post.
"We're hoping to get a drone unit up and running as soon as possible as the current climate is forcing many people to turn to crime as they perceive it to be their only option," he said.
Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop said the unit, which consists of 10 small drones and 10 drone pilots, is undertaking a period of testing and training.
During operations, the drones can capture criminal movement and activity on 10 screens which can reduce the need for potentially violent encounters prior to arrests, Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop said.
Israeli police help a Hanuman special task force officer shoot in the proper position during training. (Crime Suppression Division photo)
In addition, Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop said he had contacted Israeli special task forces to arrange a tactical firearms course for the Hanuman unit since he was made CSD commander.
Although Israel is a small country, their forces have earned a solid reputation.
A course was held recently at Royal Police Cadet Academy in Sam Phran district of Nakhon Pathom.
It focused mainly on teaching officers tactical plans to enable them to confront offenders while minimising casualties.
Officers will next learn how better to distinguish between civilians and criminals and other tricks which may be useful during the operations including hand gestures and fast aim and reflex training.
"It will benefit our unit when confronted by tense situations. I believe the crime rate in the country will spike soon, so we must prepare," he said.
He said he also invited judges to participate in critical situation training so they can better understand why his and other units sometimes shoot first to preserve their own safety.
By law, gunning someone down can be regarded as an act of self-defence if the criminal is regarded as a severe threat, said Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop.
"Hopefully this will allow them to understand the situations we sometimes find ourselves in," he said.
Contact Crime Track: crimetrack@bangkokpost.co.th