Singapore can learn from Orlando Shooting
Here are some lessons that we can learn from this incident;
1. Guns don't kill, people do. Again irrefutable evidence shows a person pulled the trigger.
2. The proper classification for such an incident is "Mass Casualty Event". This is the political correct way of labelling any event despite blood and carnage and the loss of so many lives. Political correctness is far more important than human lives.
3. Local politicians must quickly recognise opportunities as they present themselves. Hillary Clinton tweeted her support for the LGBT community within an hour of the incident. Trump responded immediately by acknowledging online congratulations flooding in on his foresight on the need to control muslim immigration
4. Local law enforcement must realise that they are judged not on the preventive capability but on their ability to display combat skills, use of armour, handling controlled explosives and massive show of force in addressing civil law enforcement.
5. ISA and similar local draconian laws that curtail the rights of individuals has no place in modern society. The shooter's father a refugee from Afghanistan has previously appeared on TV and expressed his support for ISIS. It shows how the US had been able to protect his right to free speech and expression.
6. The FBI twice interviewed the shooter and as he explained himself and thus released. FBI interviews are cordial, fair and right as suspects are allowed lawyers and they can remain silent during the entire interview in order not to incriminate themselves.
7. Properly designed and tailored clothings improve the image of Law Enforcement authorities. "Mass casualty events" are covered extensively by the free press and on a rolling 24/7 basis until excitement and interest dies down. These are important photo opportunities that cannot be missed. Flak jackets, T-shirts etc prominently emblazoned in gold such as "FBI", "Police", "SWAT" etc are signs of professionalism and helps attract new recruits. Prominent lanyards with badges showing photo of the holder is also important as it provides the additional layer of swagger to the image. Also helps close the gap between Singaporeans watching US Police dramas and what is out practice.
8. Singapore Government Communication Office can learn from their Texas residing Head, Janadas Devan on providing essentials details as the events unfolds. For example within one hour of the shooter been taken out, we know that 14 police officers including 3 State troopers were involved in the exchange of gunfire with the shooter, that he legally purchased both the assault rifle and handgun, he worked for G4S since 2007, 53 people died, his beat his ex-wife, his colleagues complained about his behaviour etc. For example in Operation Spectrum that was carried out 29 years ago, no knows how many law enforcement officials stormed Teo Soh Lung's house.
9. In such incidents, the US President is expected to make a public press release. This brings the nation together after each and every "mass casualty event" no matter how frequent they are. Similarly Singapore PM can help the nation come together when there is "Mass casualty event" such as SMRT train breakdowns and hundred and thousands of passengers are affected.
10. The US has a practice where the national anthem is sung by a celebrity before a game. We can learn from this as it helps build the foundation of the nation and this is what helps the US move from one "mass casualty event" to the next without disrupting the lives of million of Americans.