Singapore is contemplating the recruitment of auxiliary police officers (APOs) from countries such as India, China, the Philippines, and Myanmar. This move comes in response to a decline in the number of APOs from Taiwan in recent years, prompting the city-state to explore new jurisdictions for recruitment.
Challenges and Considerations
Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam emphasized the need for such expansion, citing challenges faced by Auxiliary Police Forces in maintaining an adequate pool of APOs. Factors contributing to these challenges include a shrinking local workforce, stringent requirements like physical fitness, and increased job opportunities for Singaporeans.
Parliamentary Inquiry
The minister addressed a parliamentary question from Sylvia Lim, a Member of Parliament and Chairman of the opposition Workers’ Party, regarding the ongoing recruitment of APOs from Taiwan. Despite the decline in numbers, Shanmugam confirmed the intent to continue hiring Taiwanese APOs, emphasizing the generally positive working experience with them.
Current Composition
As of November 2023, Singaporean APOs constituted approximately 68% of the total APO population, with the remaining 32% comprising Malaysians and Taiwanese. The decrease in Taiwanese APOs is attributed to the demanding nature of public-facing security work and improved opportunities in Taiwan.
Mitigating Risks
Responding to concerns about non-Singaporeans carrying firearms, Shanmugam assured that the misuse of firearms by APOs, regardless of nationality, is extremely rare. The Ministry of Home Affairs manages this risk through security screening, training, and careful deployment of non-Singaporean APOs.
Future Developments
The decision to recruit APOs from India, China, the Philippines, and Myanmar reflects Singapore’s strategic response to evolving security needs. This move aims to ensure a sustainable and diverse pool of auxiliary police officers to meet the increasing demand for security services.
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