Private security officers to be trained for specialist functions

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Home Affairs will look at training private security officers (SOs) to take on specialist functions, which should translate to higher wages.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean said that officers currently provide a wide range of services — including premise security, access control and security screening.

But to better differentiate their skills, the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD) will explore a better grading system for private security officers based on their training and competency.

For a start, SOs conducting security screenings must now receive specific Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) training before they can use X—ray or metal detectors.

Officers performing other security functions may soon have to meet the same requirements.

Mr Teo said this in a written response to questions by Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris—Punggol GRC, Zainal Sapari, during Parliament on Tuesday.

— CNA/fa