Frequently Asked Questions

1) Who can join as a Crime Prevention Ambassador?

Any Singaporean or Permanent Resident who has no criminal record or spent record. He must be physically fit (e.g. able to walk up 3 stories of a HDB flat) and has some free time to assist in conducting crime prevention talks, exhibitions or road shows, e.g. 4 hours a month, during the weekends.

2) Are any educational qualifications required?

No, anyone who is willing to serve the community is welcome. He/she will undergo a one day training session before being deployed.

3) What benefits are there?

CPAs will be recognised during the CPAs annual event and may be given the outstanding CPA award (a plaque or a certificate) for good performance.

1) What does the NWZ logo symbolises?

The logo epitomizes the spirit of community bonding as the various races within the designated NWZ come together to participate in the life of the community. The bold, energetic multiplicty of colours in the background symbolizes the spirit of cooperation between residents from various ethnic groups in their efforts to pre-empt crime in the community. At the forefront, the NWZ LO (an RC member) and the NPCO depict the newly forged, strategic partnership between the Police and the grassroots in their joint efforts to combant crime and to promote crime prevention awareness in the community.

2) How can I be an NWZ volunteer?

NWZ volunteers must be RC members and their appointment as NWZ LOs and ALOs are subjected to nomination by their RC Chairman.

Residents need not to be NWZ LOs and ALOs to participate in the NWZ Scheme. Residents have the following role to play:

1. Actively participate in the NWZ activities to get to know neighbours and fellow residents better;

2. Foster a cohesive and caring spirit with neighbours within the area to deter criminals;

3. Establish mutual assistance between themselves and their neighbours to help each other protect themselves against crime; and

4. Be on the look-out for crime or any suspicious activity or persons and make a report to the Police when necessary.

1) What are the entry requirements to apply for VSC (Community)?

We welcome Singaporeans, aged 18 to 60 years old, to apply for the vocation.

We are looking for volunteers who are passionate and are ready to contribute and work alongside Police in enhancing the safety and security of their neighbourhood. Volunteers should have at least 3 GCE ‘N’ level credits or NITEC and be able to perform a minimum of 8 hours of patrol duty each month.

2) What are the roles of the VSC (Community) officers?

The main role of VSC (Community) officers are to patrol the streets in the neighbourhoods and community areas with mass congregation such as markets, town centres and schools to deter and detect crime. They will also facilitate crowd and traffic regulation and assist with evacuation where needed.

3) What training do VSC (Community) officers undergo?

They undergo 2 months of training conducted on 2 weekday evenings and one weekend (every Saturday).

They will be trained on policing procedures, legal knowledge, Police Defence Tactics and first aid.

Unlike the regular Police officers or VSC officers in other vocations, VSC (Community) officers are not required to take IPPT. They will however have to undergo a health screening to ensure suitability for their assigned roles.

4) How are the VSC (Community) officers equipped?

They are equipped with handcuffs, a baton and a communications set, to aid them in their initial response when they come across any incidents during their patrol.

5) Do VSC (Community) officers have policing powers?

VSC (Community) officers are accorded Police powers to allow them to perform their assigned roles.

6) Do VSC (Community) officers have a rank?

VSC (Community) officers are appointed as Special Constable (V) under the Police Force Act. This rank is retained throughout their service in the vocation.

7) Are VSC (Community) officers paid?

As a VSC (Community) officer, they are given an allowance of $4.60 an hour to cover their out of pocket expenses such as personal transport and meal costs. This is similar to the VSCs in other vocations.

8) What are the incentives for joining the VSC (Community)?

As trained volunteers, they play an important role in enhancing the safety and security of their neighbourhood. While Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, we cannot take this for granted. It is the effort of the community working in close partnership with the Singapore Police Force that we are able to make Singapore a safe place to live in. The VSC (Community) is for the public-spirited people who want to contribute back to the society in a meaningful way, directly impacting the community they work and live in.

The VSC (Community) officers will receive appropriate training to enable them to perform their assigned duties. These skills and knowledge they gain are useful life skills that will better prepare them in the event of any crisis. We welcome more to step forward, seize the opportunity to be trained and be a part of the Police volunteers in safeguarding Singapore.

9) Are VSC (Community) officers covered by insurance?

Yes, all VSC (Community) officers are covered under a group corporate insurance plan as well as workmen’s compensation for injuries during duties.

1) Will I be exempted from my National Service recalls?

No, you are not exempted from National Service recalls.

2) Will I be paid for performing my duty?

VSC officers serve without remuneration. They are given an allowance of $4.60 per duty hour to cover their out of pocket expenses such as personal transport and meal costs.

3) How many hours must I contribute a month?

You are required to serve a minimum of 16 hours per month.

4) Will I be able to choose where I would like to be posted to?

You may be given a posting of your choice but it depends on the availability and needs of the organization.

5) What is the retiring age for a VSC?

You may remain in service up to the age of 55 years regardless of rank. Extension of service till 60 years of age may be granted provided you meet the requisites.

6) Are VSC officers covered by insurance?

Yes, all VSC officers are covered under a group corporate insurance plan as well as workmen’s compensation for injuries during duties.

7) Can I reapply after any unsuccessful application?

You must satisfy the minimum requirements before a re-application will be considered. The VSC Recruitment Department may invite applicants to re-apply on a case by case basis.

8) Can I apply for Regular posts based on my VSC application?

No, a fresh application must be made for a Regular Officer position. Some of the minimum requirements for a Regular Officer position differs from that of a VSC. There will be no exemption from the Regular Officer’s basic training course even if you may have completed the VSC basic training.

9) Will I be considered if I’m pending or still serving National Service?

Those who are serving Full-time National Service or are waiting to be enlisted will not be considered.

10) What rank will I be appointed to when I complete my VSC training?

Generally, new VSCs will receive the rank of Sergeant 1 upon successful enrolment. Subjected to approval, former regulars / former PNSFs may be allowed to retain their last held rank.

11) Is IPPT compulsory for VSC officers?

Yes, IPPT is compulsory.

However, a VSC officer who is an existing Regular Uniformed Officer or National Serviceman with the Home Team or SAF, can be exempted from the VSC IPPT if they can produce the original IPPT results taken at their respective agencies in the same year.

All VSC must also pass the annual shooting test and Police Defense Tactic test.

12) How long is the duration of the training and what are the training times?

Training is conducted every Monday and Thursday evenings; and Saturdays from 6.30pm to 10pm over 6 months. Training will be conducted at Home Team Academy / Police Cantonment Complex, depending on the courses.

13) What are the components of the training I need to pass?

The components that you will need to pass are:

1. Foot Drills
2. Basic First Aids
3. Shooting
4. IPPT
5. Police Defense Tactics (PDT)
6. Basic Police Law and Procedures

14) Can I resign/take leave at any point of my volunteer service with VSC?

Yes, you may. There is no bond or minimum years of service with VSC before resigning. An exit interview will be conducted by Head VSC of the Division for resignations.

You may also opt to take a leave of absence which can vary from 1 month to a maximum of 3 years.

1) What is the role of a CDAU officer?

CDAU officers complement the Singapore Civil Defence Force in areas such as fire fighting, emergency medical services, fire safety regulations enforcement and public education.

2) What is the recruitment cut-off age and retirement age for CDAU officers?

The recruitment cut-off age is 45 years old for all vocations except for Fire Fighting which is at age 35.  The retirement age for CDAU officers follows that of the regulars. Junior CDAU officers retire at the age of 50 while Senior CDAU officers retire at the age of 55. Extension of retirement age may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

3) Does CDAU accept individuals who have no knowledge in Fire Fighting, Medical or specialised fields?

Yes, we do. You can join as a Fire Fighter and go through the 16 week course.  For other vocations, we prefer to take in applicants who have prior experience or relevant skills and knowledge.

4) Currently I am employed in a uniform organisation, can I join?

Yes, you can.

5) Can I join the CDAU prior to enlistment to National Service (NS)?

No, we only accept male applicants who have completed NS.

6) What PES status is required to join the CDAU?

Minimum PES B for Fire Fighting and Emergency Medical Services.

7) How many hours must I serve a month? Will I be able to choose my work shift and days?

A Senior CDAU officer (LTA & above) is required to volunteer a minimum of 24 hours of duty a month while a Junior CDAU officer (SWO & below) has to volunteer at least 16 hours per month. You can choose your work hours as long as you fulfil the minimum hours required.

8) What will the working hours be like? Are the working hours the same as a Regular officer?

Depending on the vocation you are in, you can report for duty as follows:

1. Fire Fighting and Rescue appointments: any time.
2. Emergency Medical Services appointments: any time.
3. Public Education Instructor: Mostly weekends when there are public education programmes and events.
4. Enforcement: During or after office hours, when there are enforcement checks.

9) Will I be paid for performing my duty?

CDAU officers serve without remuneration. They are given an allowance of $4.60 per duty hour to cover their out of pocket expenses such as personal transport and meal costs.

10) Will training be provided when I join the CDAU? Where will the training be conducted?

Yes, to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for the performance of duty, you may have to attend a non-residential training course conducted in the evenings and/or weekends. The training courses are:

1. Fire Fighter Course: Tuesday, Thursday (7pm to 10pm) & Saturday (830am to 1pm) over a duration of 16 weeks at Civil Defence Academy (CDA).
2. Emergency Medical Services EMT course: Monday & Tuesday 7pm to 10pm over a duration of 13 to 14 weeks at CDA.
3. Auxiliary Public Education Instructor Course: 3 CEPP modules at SCDF Division HQ. Those without teaching experience will attend an extra Methods of Instruction module at CDA.
4. Enforcement Course: 2 weekday evenings from 7pm to 9pm at HQ SCDF.

11) If I am trained as a Fire Fighter, will I get the chance to be posted to a fire station? And if so, will I get insurance as Fire Fighting is a dangerous occupation?

Yes, you will be deployed to a fire station to work hand in hand with the regulars. Similar to regulars, all CDAU officers will have group insurance coverage of up to S$100,000 while on CDAU duty.

12) Will training be the same as during my recruit days?

It is mainly refresher training conducted during weeknights and/or weekends.

13) What if I have other commitments and cannot come for work or training?

You can contact your immediate supervisor to make alternative arrangements. However, you must still adhere to the minimum hours required, or otherwise apply for leave of absence.

14) Do I still need to serve my ORNS-service (reservist)?

Yes. CDAU and ORNS service are separate and independent. ORNS service will take priority if you are called up for both at the same time.

15) Is there any difference in uniform between CDAU and regulars?

No. All attire are the same.

16) Do we perform duty as a support unit? Will I get to be in the front line?

CDAU officers are deployed alongside our regular officers depending on the vocation and appointment.

17) Will I be able to choose the vocation to be posted to?

Yes, you can make your request known and we will facilitate as long as you have the relevant background and training.

18) Can I switch between the different vocations/appointments?

Yes. Subject to approval and will have to go through an interview process to assess the suitability.

19) Will the reporting station or division be near my place?

We will try to place you in a convenient location to minimise your travelling time. However, this is subjected to the availability of posts.

20) Will I be stationed in a Fire station?

You will be stationed in a fire station if you are deployed in Fire Fighting or Emergency Medical Service appointments.

21) What is the initial rank obtained upon joining?

The entry rank is SGT1. However, CD NSmen or ex-regulars will assume their last-held rank if higher on a case by case basis.

22) Is the rank in CDAU the same as our NS rank? If so, does a promotion in CDAU mean an increase in ORNS allowance?

Service in CDAU is different from National Service in SCDF. Thus, performance in CDAU is not counted towards your National Service, and the ranks are independent of one another.

23) What if I am holding on to a Senior Officer rank in the SAF/SPF? Will SCDF give me the same rank?

No, you will start out as a SGT1 in CDAU.

24) If my rank is LCP during Full Time NS, will I attain CPL rank when I join?

The entry rank for CDAU is SGT1.

25) How fast are the promotions in CDAU?

Promotion will depend on the officer’s performance, commitment, years-in-service and IPPT.

26) What if I get pregnant during my stint in CDAU?

You will be excused from operational duties until you have completed your maternity leave.

1) What does the CD Lionhearters Logo symbolises?

The Red Lion Head, adapted from the Singapore Lion Head symbolizes the courage, strength and resilience in the face of challenges. The mane’s unrestrained partings represent the students' youthfulness and creative minds.

Below the Lion Head is SCDF’s logo and the name Lionhearter. The international Civil Defence triangle symbolising the three main areas of Civil Defence - fire safety, first aid, and rescue and evacuation, is the basis of the logo. The equilateral triangle with one of the angle pointed vertically upwards forms the background of the initials ‘CD’.

The name Lionhearters is adapted from SCDF’s Overseas Rescue Contingent, codenamed Operation Lionheart. Formed in 1990, the Operation Lionheart is on 24-hour standby to respond to countries affected by major disasters and render assistance in the area of search and rescue efforts. Likewise, the CD Lionhearters are always ready to render assistance to those in need.

2) Is the CD Lionhearters Club related to Operation Lionheart?

The name “Lionhearters” is adapted from SCDF’s Overseas Rescue Contingent, codenamed Operation Lionheart. The CD Lionhearters share the same spirit of volunteerism as “Operation Lionheart” but the CD Lionhearters are not affiliated to Operation Lionheart as Operation Lionheart is made up of SCDF Regular Officers.

3) Will all CD Lionhearters get to participate in overseas missions?

SCDF collaborates with NGOs such as Mercy Relief and Singapore Red Cross to offer opportunities for CD Lionhearters to participate in overseas humanitarian relief missions/overseas humanitarian rebuilding projects. While there is a limit to the number of students who can be brought on each overseas humanitarian relief mission/overseas rebuilding projects every year, SCDF will ensure that opportunities to participate are fairly distributed amongst the CD Lionhearters from the various Clubs.

1) What should a volunteer take note of when interacting with inmates?

Just as you would treat any other persons, do not use abusive or provocative language with the inmates.

Aside from that, we will provide Basic Prison Training for registered volunteers to prepare for their role as Prison volunteers. There will also be opportunities to attend developmental courses to upskill themselves.

2) Are there a lot of rules and regulations to follow - are these necessary?

Prison compounds are gazetted security areas. Safety and security is therefore paramount in Prisons. The rules and regulations are essential in ensuring that safety and security exists inside prisons, ultimately, contributing to a safer Singapore.

3) What can I, as a volunteer, look forward to?

The intangible and most rewarding benefit comes from knowing that volunteers' efforts have made a difference in the lives of inmates, and witnessing the positive transformation in some of the inmates.

Aside from that, Prisons provide Basic Prison Training for registered volunteers to prepare for their role as Prison volunteers. Developmental training by Singapore After-Care Association (SACA) and  Social Service Institute (SSI)  are also made available for volunteers to apply, for deeper understanding in specialised skills such as counselling. An annual appreciation ceremony is held specially for Prisons volunteers to thank them for their efforts and valuable time put in in our rehabilitation cause.