Written Reply to Parliament Question on Comprehensive Backrgound Checks and Screening of Auxiliary Police Officers by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law ​

Question:

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether our auxiliary police force has a process in place for proper and comprehensive background checks to screen potential and current auxiliary police officers for activities that may compromise their integrity as auxiliary police officers.

Answer:

1. All Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) are screened by the Police to assess whether they are suitable to be employed for security work, which includes a person's criminal records. For operational security reasons, we cannot disclose further details.

2. In addition, the Auxiliary Police Forces (APFs) also set stringent selection criteria for the appointment of all APOs. They must have a minimum education of GCE 'N' level, or equivalent. They also need to be physically fit to be able to fulfil the requirements for their jobs. The APFs interview their candidates to ensure they have the right attitude and temperament for the job. During the APOs' employment, screening is carried out and the APFs also actively observe and assess their performance and conduct.

3. Despite our best efforts, it is not possible for the authorities or the APFs to detect APOs' errant intentions or behaviour in every case. Relatives, colleagues, friends and the community must also play their part to alert the authorities early when they come to know of such activities.