Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) - Police Officer
Work alongside the Police to patrol the streets and enforce law and order in Singapore.
Last updated 1 February 2026
The Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) stands with the SPF to prevent, deter, and detect crime, contributing to Singapore’s security.
The VSC is an important part of the Singapore Police Force. VSC officers are vested with the same powers as regular police.
We have volunteers from all walks of life, who share the same aspiration to prevent, deter and detect crime by working alongside the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
As a VSC officer, you will don the same uniform as regulars. You will patrol the streets, be the first responder when a crime is reported, and participate in anti-crime operations.
Key details
Commitment
At least 16 hours per month
Duty timings
Usually after office hours. Shifts can be from 4 hours, up to 12 to 14 hours (full shift)
Allowance
Duty allowance of $5.20 per hour, regardless of rank
Rank upon joining
New VSCs receive the rank of Sergeant 1 upon successful enrolment
Former regulars or former PNSFs may be allowed to retain their last held rank, subject to approval
Home Team Department
Skills and interest
Uniformed Role, Safety and Security
Did you know? The VSC was formed in 1946 to augment the slender ranks of the regulars immediately after the war. About 150 men formed the pioneer VSCs. Today, the VSC has grown to more than 800 volunteers, contributing significantly to maintaining law and order in Singapore.
Who is eligible
To join VSC, you'll need to meet these criteria:
Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
Aged 18 to 45 years old
At least 5 GCE ‘O’ level credits or NITEC
Normal colour vision
Note:
Male applicants must have either completed their National Service (NS) liabilities or be exempted from NS
Operationally Ready NSmen may apply but upon enrolment, will not be exempted from their NS responsibilities
Those who are in full-time NS (SPF/SAF/SCDF) are not eligible
More about this scheme
What you'll do
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.
Training
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.
Training and schedule
Training | Schedule |
|---|---|
You will need to pass the following training components:
| Training is conducted at the Home Team Academy or Police Cantonment Complex, depending on the courses. It is held 3 times a week over about 6 months:
|
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.
Posting
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.
Opportunities for major deployments
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
Benefits and recognition
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.
Our history
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.
Contact us
Have a question? Contact us for any enquiries:
Contact person: Muhd Shariff Zahid Anwar Husain
Email address: SPF_VSC_HQ_Recruitment@spf.gov.sg
Phone: 6557 5869
Fax: 6223 0049
Interested to volunteer?
Quotes
I take pride in working with the regular officers, PNSFs, PNSmen and civilian staff to maintain law and order, and to keep Singapore safe. I also enjoy interacting with members of the public during our patrols and roadshows. I feel I am part of a larger family and this keeps inspiring me...— ASP (V) Seah Ching San, Paul (Volunteer Special Constabulary and Honorary Officer, National Police Cadet Corps)
