SECURITY GUARDS IN SHOPPING CENTRES (Training)

Dr Ang Kok Peng asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether his Ministry has any plan to require security guards in shopping centres to undergo proper training to make them more effective in dealing with shop-lifters and yet responsible enough not to embarrass or mistreat innocent persons during the performance of their duties.

The Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, security guards are employed by shopping centres to protect their own premises against robbery, theft and mischief. Some shopping centres employ licensed security guards through registered Security Guard Agencies. Others employ security guards or store detectives directly. These guards are not required to be licensed.

The Police cannot compel shopping centres to send their security personnel for training. However, it is in their interest to ensure that their security guards are trained to perform their duties correctly. Otherwise, they face the risk of civil action for wrongful arrest.

Training courses for licensed security guards are available through the Association of Licensed Security and Investigation Agencies. The question whether it should be made a condition of the licence for all licensed security guards to undergo a basic training course in their duties is being considered by the Police. As for those who are not required to be licensed under the Private Investigation and Security Agencies Act, training courses can be arranged for them by the managements. They can approach the Crime Prevention Division of the Singapore Police Force for advice.