12-1-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore is exploring the expansion of its recruitment sources for auxiliary police officers (APOs) due to a decline in the number of recruits from Taiwan in recent years, announced Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam. Addressing Parliament today, Shanmugam revealed that, in addition to Taiwan, Singapore is contemplating the recruitment of APOs from India, China, the Philippines, and Myanmar to meet the rising demand for security services.
Shanmugam emphasized the need to allow Auxiliary Police Forces (APFs) to enlist foreign APOs, citing challenges in maintaining an adequate pool of officers. Factors contributing to these challenges include a diminishing local workforce, stringent requirements like physical fitness, and the varied job options available to Singaporeans.
Responding to a parliamentary inquiry from Sylvia Lim, Workers’ Party chairman and Member of Parliament of Aljunied Group Representation Constituency, Shanmugam assured that APFs would continue hiring Taiwanese APOs, despite their decreasing numbers. He acknowledged the difficulties faced in recruitment, with Taiwanese APO numbers plummeting by over 60% from 2017 to 2023, currently standing at around 70.
As of November 2023, Singaporean APOs comprised 68% of the total APO population, with Malaysians and Taiwanese making up the remaining 32%. The decline in Taiwanese APOs is attributed to the demanding nature of public-facing security work and improved job opportunities in Taiwan.
Shanmugam disclosed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is considering broadening the jurisdictions from which APFs can recruit APOs, with potential sources including China, India, the Philippines, and Myanmar. Discussions between MHA and APFs are underway to explore these possibilities.
Addressing concerns about non-Singaporeans carrying firearms, Shanmugam asserted that misuse of firearms by APOs, regardless of nationality, is extremely rare. MHA manages this risk through thorough security screening, training, and supervision of APOs. Shanmugam highlighted the careful and restrictive deployment of non-Singaporean APOs, acknowledging the challenging environment due to Singapore’s shrinking workforce.
