Keeping the borders safe

Keeping the borders safe
PHOTO: Keeping the borders safe

SINGAPORE - Unlike many private security officers, Ms Siti Melati Rahman wears a police-like uniform, boasts a rank - Corporal (CPL), Auxiliary Police Force (APF) - and is even trained to shoot.

The 26-year-old is an auxiliary police officer (APO) with AETOS Security Management, a company that is licensed to supply both armed and unarmed officers.

She is stationed at a land checkpoint, where she performs border security duties such as preventing and detecting intruders and illegal immigrants.

CPL (APF) Siti says: "I decided on a career as an APO as I found the work challenging and it calls for decisive action. I also enjoy interacting with people from all walks of life."

APOs have been making a larger imprint on the law-and-order landscape to combat the twin challenges of crime and terrorism.

They support the work of government security agencies such as the police and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.

These days, they can be seen screening travellers at the checkpoints, ushering visitors through scanners at large-scale events and managing crowds at countdown parties.

For example, AETOS has supported the police in major events such as the Singapore Youth Olympic Games in 2010 and the Singapore Grand Prix.

APOs on official duty are granted powers, privileges and immunities similar to those given to police officers.

Stringent selection

CPL (APF) Siti joined AETOS' Auxiliary Police Force after graduating from the Institute of Technical Education about six years ago.

She says: "My friend recommended it to me as she knew I was keen on the security and enforcement industry."

But she could not just walk into the job. Prospective candidates have to pass stringent police screenings before they can be appointed as APOs.

They also undergo a seven-week residential training programme and must pass assessment tests.

Former police officers take a three-week non-residential programme, but they must pass the tests too.

The course includes areas such as law and procedures, unarmed defence tactics, counter-terrorism activities, and firearm and physical training.

Having cleared these hurdles, CPL (APF) Siti had to undergo further training before she was sent to her duty point.

Her work calls on her to pull 12-hour shifts. Upon reporting for duty, she attends team briefings before going to her duty points.

She says: "My team works closely with the other government agencies in the land checkpoint, and in addition to being extra vigilant, we need to be mindful and courteous when dealing with travellers.

"The work environment, though tough as the volume of traffic is high, is conducive, as my colleagues are supportive and I have good relations with them. Working in a team has also allowed me to contribute in many arrest cases of theft."

Having been in the job for several years, she says a good APO should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of her duties and be competent in them.

The officer will "also need to remain calm under difficult situations and be decisive when necessary".

Despite the tough training and the long hours, she says a law enforcement job is "one of the more noble and selfless occupations in society".

"As an APO, I can make a difference to people's quality of life by protecting and ensuring the safety and security of Singapore's borders, which few professions can offer," she explains.

The picture is rosier now than when she started in her job, with "tremendous improvements to the remuneration package and training".

"Our APOs are now better trained and better equipped, and we have close ties with other agencies, which will provide updates on the latest trends and modus operandi as we work together to protect Singapore's borders," she says.

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