http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_411089.html
Common security ID card
By Mavis Toh
'This ID card certifies that the officer is suitable and competent for his task,' said Law Minister K Shanmugam (left) at the card's official launch at NTUC Centre yesterday morning. --PHOTO: BT
BY THE end of next year, all 32,000 unarmed private security officers in Singapore will have been issued a common identification (ID) card.
With homeland security a major concern, the move further professionalises the industry and also helps the public identify bona fide private security officers, who can assist them in times of need.
The ID card will serve as a common link for the industry whose officers now wear different badges and uniforms.
'This ID card certifies that the officer is suitable and competent for his task,' said Law Minister K Shanmugam at the card's official launch at NTUC Centre yesterday morning.
The idea to have a common ID card was mooted in 2006 by the tripartite Security Industry Forum. There are currently about 280 private security firms in Singapore.
Only personnel who have passed the mandatory security screening by the Singapore Police Force's Security Industry Regulatory Department and trained by the Workforce Development Agency will be licensed and issued the card.
The cards, being rolled out in stages, are valid for five years and must be carried at all times for enforcement checks. They carry no legal or statutory powers.
Some 5,000 security officers have been issued the ID card in the pilot phase.
Once all 280 private security agencies have received the ID card, in-house security officers - including nightclub bouncer - will be next.
Mr Shanmugam, who was speaking at the private security industry's tripartite National Day observance ceremony, said the past few years have seen active steps being taken to improve professional standards in the industry.
Read the full report in The Sunday Times.
Common security ID card
By Mavis Toh
'This ID card certifies that the officer is suitable and competent for his task,' said Law Minister K Shanmugam (left) at the card's official launch at NTUC Centre yesterday morning. --PHOTO: BT
BY THE end of next year, all 32,000 unarmed private security officers in Singapore will have been issued a common identification (ID) card.
With homeland security a major concern, the move further professionalises the industry and also helps the public identify bona fide private security officers, who can assist them in times of need.
The ID card will serve as a common link for the industry whose officers now wear different badges and uniforms.
'This ID card certifies that the officer is suitable and competent for his task,' said Law Minister K Shanmugam at the card's official launch at NTUC Centre yesterday morning.
The idea to have a common ID card was mooted in 2006 by the tripartite Security Industry Forum. There are currently about 280 private security firms in Singapore.
Only personnel who have passed the mandatory security screening by the Singapore Police Force's Security Industry Regulatory Department and trained by the Workforce Development Agency will be licensed and issued the card.
The cards, being rolled out in stages, are valid for five years and must be carried at all times for enforcement checks. They carry no legal or statutory powers.
Some 5,000 security officers have been issued the ID card in the pilot phase.
Once all 280 private security agencies have received the ID card, in-house security officers - including nightclub bouncer - will be next.
Mr Shanmugam, who was speaking at the private security industry's tripartite National Day observance ceremony, said the past few years have seen active steps being taken to improve professional standards in the industry.
Read the full report in The Sunday Times.
