Number of Firearms Handling Violations at Police and Auxiliary Police Units in the Past Two Years

Question:

Ms Joan Pereira: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs regarding oversight and control of firearms at police and auxiliary police units (a) how many instances of violations for the handling of firearms were there in the last 24 months; (b) how does the Ministry currently ensure the appropriate assignment and return of weapons; and (c) whether there are routine surprise audits or spot checks to enforce adherence to standard operating procedures.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. In the past 24 months, there was one case of misuse of firearms by a Police officer, and three cases by Auxiliary Police officers (APOs). The Police officer involved was a Full-Time National Serviceman. Investigations are ongoing for this case. The three APOs have been charged.

2. The Ministry of Home Affairs has put in place several measures to manage the risks. All Police officers and APOs need to undergo security vetting before employment. Officers need to be trained and certified to be competent on a yearly basis before they can draw firearms for duty. They may be barred from carrying firearms if they are assessed to be unfit to carry firearms, for whatever reasons.

3. Firearms for the Police and the Auxiliary Police Forces are kept in secure armouries, and subject to rigorous processes for their issuance and return. For example, there are systems to verify the identity of the officers drawing the firearms, confirm that they are authorised to carry firearms for that particular deployment, and track the timely return of the firearms after the deployment. Periodic checks and audits are also carried out.