Public Order Manual Poman 1971

The Blueprint for the Badge: Unearthing the Legacy of POMAN 1971

Use of Force Tactics

: Specifies tactical maneuvers, such as the deployment of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) or Pasukan Simpanan Persekutuan (PSP) . Legal and Tactical Framework

: Defines the role of the Public Order Riot Unit in preventing and calming riots, assisting the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and general crowd control. Command Structure public order manual poman 1971

• The Wedge: POMAN detailed the use of wedge formations to break through crowd barriers and penetrate deep into riots to arrest ringleaders.
• Snatch Squads: It formalized the use of "Snatch Squads"—small, fast-moving units of officers protected by shield-bearers, designed to dash into a crowd, arrest specific agitators, and retreat behind the police line.

• Issued under a different political environment (1971) and later adapted as laws, court decisions, and human-rights concerns evolved.
• POMAN has been criticized by civil society and human-rights groups for provisions perceived as enabling excessive force or overly broad police powers; such criticisms led to calls for reform and judicial scrutiny.
• Subsequent police codes, internal regulations, and Supreme Court rulings have affected how POMAN provisions are interpreted and applied.