Study on Possibility of Pilot Exercise to Allow Ex-offenders to Obtain Security Officer Licence under Strict Transparent Rules

1 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether the Government will study the possibility of a pilot exercise to allow ex-offenders to obtain a security officer licence under strict rules that are made transparent.

Mr K Shanmugam: Security officers are often in positions of trust. They are entrusted with the duty to protect premises, property and persons.

The Police make an assessment of all applicants. This will include considering their criminal records, if any. Having a criminal record will mean a much higher bar for the applicant. However, a criminal record is not an absolute bar. Police will look at the nature of the offence, as well as other relevant background. Ex-offenders have been granted licences.