Measures to Ensure Relevant Training and Preparation of Foreign Auxiliary Police Officers
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the training qualifications, cultural integration, and labor market impact of foreign auxiliary police officers (APOs) in Singapore. Mr Yip Hon Weng asked how the Ministry ensures foreign officers are prepared for their roles and understand local sensitivities, as well as the resulting impact on local salaries. Minister K Shanmugam replied that all APOs must meet Singapore Police Force physical, educational, and probity requirements, including passing the APO Basic Course. He detailed initiatives like cultural briefings, local tours, and liaison officers to foster an appreciation of socio-cultural norms among foreign personnel. Finally, Minister K Shanmugam noted that auxiliary police forces are offering higher salaries and bonuses to attract more Singaporeans to the profession despite a challenging labor market.
Transcript
6 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what measures are being taken to ensure that foreign auxiliary police officers have received the relevant training and qualifications needed for their roles in Singapore; (b) how is the Ministry ensuring that these auxiliary police officers understand the cultural norms and sensitivities in Singapore to perform their duties effectively; and (c) what will be the impact on our local workforce in security roles, specifically salaries and benefits.
Mr K Shanmugam: All Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs), regardless of nationality, must meet the physical, educational and probity requirements set by the Singapore Police Force. This includes passing the APO Basic Course and the Individual Physical Proficiency Test.
The Auxiliary Police Forces (APFs) have rolled out various initiatives to facilitate foreign APOs' understanding and appreciation of our socio-cultural norms and sensitivities and laws. This includes briefings, local tours, regular engagements and appointing cultural liaison officers to support the APOs. Owners of premises where the APOs are deployed, may provide further guidance to them.
The APFs have been stepping up efforts to try to attract more Singaporeans to the profession, through higher competitive salaries, higher sign-on and retention bonuses and enhanced career progression. But as Members know, it is challenging to get Singaporeans, because of shortage and opportunities available in many other areas. Nevertheless, we will continue working with the APFs to try and hire more Singaporeans.