Private Security Industry

As defined by the Association of Certified Security Agencies (ACSA), the private security industry provides manpower,

The Private security industry is necessary for the safety of Singapore. Security officers play a critical role in providing deterrence activities, control, and defensive protection. Being a good security personnel is not an easy feat at all as they are required to manage the expectations of stakeholders and the public while implementing effective security measures and priorities. There are many risks that embodies the job scope of a security officer – dangerous environment, violent intruders, and more.

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 buyers looking for the protection of their personnel, assets, and information from any form of hurt, loss or sabotage. The private security industry also focusses heavily on training and skills improvement as Security Officers progress in their career. In recent years, the private security industry has seen many positive changes. The security industry has consistently been gaining recognition and is continually improving to maintain the highest standards in terms of producing skilled manpower to cater to Singapore’s ever growing security needs. To work in the private security industry in Singapore, one needs a license from Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD) in accordance with the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA). High security areas would even require more specialised training. In efforts to increase productivity and efficiency of the Private Security Industry, the PLRD introduced a compulsory grading system for all licensed security agencies to maintain and improve standards of Security Officers. In the coming few years, technology will progressively be incorporated into the private security industry as more companies adopt technology alongside their skilled manpower which ultimately enhances the quality of security service rendered. The Private Security Industry currently has a strength of 255 licenced security agencies.

Section 13 of Private Security Industry Act (“PSIA) describes an individual security manager who performs the work below:

• Protects an individual’s property
• Monitoring and protecting an individual
• Screening of people entering premises
• Complete the task of a bodyguard
• Traffic control

Roles and risks of security officers

Providing Patrol: Officers are expected to monitor locations and scan for illegal actions or accidents. Some risks that can affect officers include improper usage of personal mobility devices (PMDs), dangerous environment, and more.

Bodyguard: Security officers are responsible to provide security at the stationed location. One of the most common risks includes violent individual who may threaten the safety of the bodyguard and public members. Bodyguard may also protect important people such as government personnel, diplomats, celebrities and more.

Traffic control: There may be situations where certain locations can be congested due to events, festivals, and more. Security officers will need to provide marking with floor lines and traffic signages to control the traffic. Individuals will also need to be directed safely and properly to suitable entrances to help control movement in the workplace traffic premises.

Crowd control: Every officer will need to be well-equipped with necessary skill sets in providing crowd management and security measures. Officers should be well-aware of the location’s layout such as the entrance and exit points, evacuation plans and more. There also should be a standard operating procedure (SOP) that dictates important instructions during emergency events such as terrorism, fire, and more. Stakeholders will need to prepare emergency response plan that includes important procedures for evacuation, rescue, contact details, and more.

Access control: This involves screening people who are entering protected or sensitive premises. Officers will need to provide guarding and restrict access to certain places in the premises. Some risks may include aggressive individuals who demand access and moving vehicle accidents. Officers will need to be aware of the risks and manage them properly.

https://www.acsa.sg/wp-content/uploads/Sort-by-Agencies_2012.pdf