Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) - Police Officer

This is a dynamic and exciting scheme. Not only will you engage in different activities alongside Police regulars (such as proactive patrolling to keep the streets safe, helping people in distress and assisting victims of crime), you will get to meet and engage members of public in different walks of life.

You will usually perform duties after office hours – mostly on weekends or on your off-days. Each tour of duty could last from a 4-hour shift to a full shift of 12 to 14 hours, depending on operational requirements.

You could be deployed with regular police officers or with your volunteer peers, depending on the requirements of the tour of duty.

You will go through 6 months of basic training, which includes policing procedures, lessons on law, Police Defence Tactics, use of firearms, drills and first aid.

Once posted to various divisions and SPF units, you will continue to undergo training and upgrading of your policing skills.

Note: If you cannot attend any of the training courses, you would need to apply for leave in writing, indicating the reason to the Basic Training Officer (VSC) at Training Command.

Upon completion of training, you will be posted to one of the Police Land Divisions or a specialist unit such as the Airport Police Division, Police Coast Guard, Transport Command, Traffic Police, Training Command or Criminal Investigation Department. You could also be deployed to the Central Narcotics Bureau.

As a new VSC trainee, you may indicate your desired posting but your eventual posting will be subjected to the availability and needs of the organisation.

All divisions or units are unique and will offer you interesting opportunities and events to perform your police duties.

You may also help to maintain law and order during large-scale public events such as:

• National Day Parade

• Festival Season Light-up Events

• Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

• National events such as General Elections

• Other large scale events such as international conferences

Our philosophy of involvement includes providing you with the necessary training, orientation, opportunities for personal development, as well as awards and recognition for good service.

Your benefits also include:

• Coverage under a group corporate insurance plan as well as compensation for service injuries sustained during duties.
• Eligibility to participate in selected welfare activities offered by the Police Welfare Division.

Learn More About Awards and Recognition

VSC was formed in 1946 to augment the slender ranks of the regulars immediately after the war, when manpower was badly needed to restore law and order. About 150 men responded to appeals made in the press and formed the pioneers of the VSC. The VSC has since grown and contributed significantly in maintaining law and order in Singapore.

The first test for VSC was during the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950, when VSC officers performed duties alongside the regular forces in suppressing riots. Other achievements include the arrest of a communist arsonist, the arrest of a terrorist suspected of grenade attacks in Bras Basah Road and the quelling of the Hock Lee Bus riots in 1955. A VSC officer, Andrew Teoh Boh Lan, was fatally injured during the Hock Lee Bus riot.

Part-time National Service was introduced in 1967. The total force of the Special Constabulary, including volunteers and National Servicemen, was 10,000 by 1977. The National Servicemen were required to serve 12 years on part-time basis. Up to 70% of them were deployed for patrol duties in neighbourhood policing units, in coast guard, radio and traffic divisions. A small number was attached to field services to help in crowd control.

The part-time Special Constabulary National Service was discontinued in 1981.