Private Security Industry

The private security industry is essential for the safety of Singapore. Behind the scenes, security officers play a critical role in providing deterrence, control and defensive protection. Being a good security officer is not an easy task, as they are required to manage the expectations of stakeholders and the public while implementing effective security measures and priorities. 

There are many risks associated with the job of a security officer, including dangerous environments, violent intruders and more. These risks stem from their comprehensive job scope, which includes protecting properties and government agencies, regulating traffic, deterring threatening or abusive language and force, preventing personal injury from being inflicted on clients, and many others. This is a collective effort by all security personnel to ensure better security outcomes for the community and the nation, as a whole.

The Role and Focus of the Private Security Industry

As defined by the Association of Certified Security Agencies (ACSA), the private security industry aims to provide skilled manpower, professional security equipment, and efficient security procedures to service clients seeking to protect their personnel, assets and information from any form of harm, loss or sabotage. The private security industry also places a strong emphasis on training and skill development as security officers advance in their careers.

Recent Developments in Private Security and Standards for a Licensed Security Officer

In recent years, private security has experienced many positive changes. The competitive security industry has steadily gained recognition and continues to improve in order to maintain the highest standards of skilled manpower to meet Singapore’s growing security needs. 

To work in the private security industry in Singapore, one must obtain a licence from the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD) of the Singapore Police Force (SPF), in accordance with the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA). High-security areas may even require additional specialised training.

In an effort to increase productivity and efficiency within the private security industry, the PLRD introduced a compulsory grading system for all licensed security agencies to maintain and improve the standards of licensed security officers. In the coming years, technology will progressively be incorporated into the private security industry as more companies adopt technologically advanced solutions alongside their skilled manpower, ultimately enhancing the quality of security service rendered. The private security industry currently has a total of 255 licensed security agencies.

Section 13 of the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA) outlines the responsibilities of an individual security manager who performs the following tasks:

• Protecting a person’s property
• Monitoring and protecting an individual
• Screening people entering premises
• Performing the duties of a bodyguard
• Managing traffic control

Roles and Regular Duties of Security Officers

Due to the public-facing nature of their work, security officers are at a considerable risk of encountering confrontations while performing their duties. Certain roles may involve a greater likelihood of dealing with criminal force, while others focus on ensuring the safety and efficiency of other job functions. Nonetheless, all roles require officers to respond promptly to emergencies.

Such roles include:

Providing Patrol: Officers are expected to monitor locations and look for illegal activities or accidents. Some risks that can affect officers include the improper use of personal mobility devices (PMDs), dangerous environments, and more.

Bodyguard: Security officers are responsible for providing security at the assigned location. One of the most common risks is violent individuals who may threaten the safety of the bodyguard and the public. Bodyguards may also protect important individuals, such as government personnel, diplomats, celebrities and more.

Traffic Control: Certain locations may become congested due to events, festivals and other factors. Security officers will need to mark the area with floor lines and traffic signage to control the flow of traffic. Individuals must also be directed safely and properly to the appropriate entrances to help manage movement in the workplace or traffic premises.

Crowd Control: Every officer must be well-equipped with the necessary skill sets for crowd management and security measures. Officers should be familiar with the location’s layout, including entrance and exit points, evacuation plans and more. There should also be a standard operating procedure (SOP) outlining important instructions for emergency events such as terrorism, fires and more. Stakeholders must prepare an emergency response plan that includes procedures for evacuation, rescue, contact details and others.

Access Control: This involves screening individuals entering protected or sensitive premises. Officers must provide guarding services and restrict access to certain areas within the premises. Some risks may include aggressive individuals demanding access and accidents involving moving vehicles. Officers must be aware of these risks and manage them properly.

Private investigators also constitute a part of the private security industry, and working as one requires a separate Private Investigation Agency Licence. This means that private investigators must be employed by a licensed private investigation agency.