Consideration to Allow Private Security Firms to Recruit and Employ Singporeans Aged Above 60 on a Temporary Basis as Private Security Officers
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether private security firms can recruit Singaporeans, including those over 60, on a temporary basis before they complete mandatory screening, training, and medical examinations. Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan raised this inquiry to explore employment options for specified tasks while these prerequisites are pending. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam responded that the Private Security Industry Act requires licensing before deployment to prevent criminal abuse and ensure operational effectiveness. He noted that licensing and training take about two weeks, while medical clearance for seniors is vital for their welfare given the job's physical demands. Consequently, the Police only permit the deployment of security officers who are fully cleared, qualified, and certified fit for duty.
Transcript
8 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether the Singapore Police Force will allow private security firms to recruit and employ Singaporeans on a temporary basis for specified tasks as private security officers pending their (i) screening, training and passing the requisite tests and (ii) pending their medical screening for those aged above 60 years.
Mr K Shanmugam: Under the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA), a person must be licensed before carrying out the functions of a security officer. Security screening is part of the licensing procedures. This reduces the risk that persons abuse their positions as security officers to commit crimes against their clients or the public.
Security officers perform duties such as patrol, access control, and responding to incidents. They need to be properly trained and qualified, so that they can perform these important duties effectively. The process of licence application and training can be done concurrently. A person can obtain his licence and complete the requisite training in about two weeks if he meets the security screening and course requirements.
It is also a licensing condition that security officers above the age of 60 be certified medically fit for duty before being deployed. This is for their own welfare and safety, as the job of a security officer is physically demanding.
In short, there are important reasons for these requirements. The Police can allow security agencies to deploy as security officers, only persons who have been security cleared and are properly qualified.