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Years before Sergeant (Sgt) Marcus Wong joined the Security Command (SecCom), he was just a young boy admiring his father who served as a Police officer. Inspired by his father’s commitment to policing, he is now forging his own path in SecCom.

Having joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 2023, Sgt Marcus has now served in SecCom for over two years, carrying out close protection duties and contributing to the safety and security of the principals under his team’s protection.

The Origin

When asked what made him join the SPF, Sgt Marcus didn’t hesitate to say that the image of his father in the Police uniform remains fresh. “I was too young to understand the significance of what he did, but that image is deeply etched in my memory,” said Sgt Marcus.

Growing up surrounded by many stories of policing, he was fascinated by the Force’s work. As a young boy, he’d think, “My dad’s job is the coolest in the world, and I want to be just like him.”

As time passed, admiration turned into passion. After graduating from Temasek Polytechnic with a Diploma in Law and Management, he joined the SPF under the Home Team Diploma Scholarship. Upon completing his six months of foundational training, Sgt Marcus was well-equipped with the core skills and values as a Police officer.

His determination eventually led him to apply for SecCom. After passing a rigorous selection process, Sgt Marcus underwent three months of specialised training to develop the skills and resilience required for the role.

New Horizons

Sgt Marcus’ main responsibility as a SecCom officer is to ensure the safety and security of principals under his charge. This involves conducting security assessments, maintaining situational awareness and planning protective measures across various environments and engagements.

Beyond physical protection, the role demands professionalism, discretion and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure – working closely with his team to identify risks and respond swiftly to any threat that may arise.

To sharpen their skills, SecCom officers undergo continuous and rigorous training across multiple disciplines – from firearms handling and contact tactics to medical response and close-quarters battle.

Such training is conducted under physically and mentally demanding conditions, ensuring that officers are always ready to respond decisively regardless of what comes their way.

As one of the younger officers in SecCom, Sgt Marcus felt the pressure of having to perform at the same standard as his seniors. But as time went on, it became clear to him that having a positive attitude was vital. Whenever he had questions, he’d approach his seniors, who were always willing to guide him. This left an impact on him personally and professionally.

“Being the youngest isn’t a disadvantage,” said Sgt Marcus. “It’s an opportunity to learn. Every assignment is a chance to improve, and I’m constantly reminded that growth comes from being willing to learn and adapt.”

Full Force Ahead

Working in the Force is never a one-man job, Sgt Marcus enjoys a strong sense of camaraderie with his fellow team members. Given the long hours that their operations may require, they’ve naturally built a bond. Each assignment builds trust between the officers as they know their roles and carry them out professionally.

“A team is as strong as its weakest member, and the trust comes from knowing that every member will do his or her very best to ensure that we accomplish our mission and come back safely every day,” said Sgt Marcus.

Whenever operations become physically and mentally taxing, the team members look out for one another, taking the initiative to check in on officers and keep morale high. That camaraderie extends beyond work. Even after their shifts have ended, the bond they’ve built continues to grow.

Balance and Beyond

Outside of work, family comes first for Sgt Marcus. No matter how demanding the day has been, he never compromises on the simple joy of having dinner with his loved ones – a daily reminder of the balance he strives to maintain between duty and home.

Throughout his journey, Sgt Marcus has been supported by those who believed in him. His teammates patiently guided him through the demands of the job while his supervisors drew from their own experiences to encourage him and build his confidence.

Beyond the workplace, his father, a 36-year SPF veteran, remained his greatest mentor, offering valuable advice and constant reminders to stay humble. “Looking back, I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support!” said Sgt Marcus.

To find out more about Direct-Entry Inspector (DEI)/Direct-Entry Sergeant (DES) positions, click the links below:
DEI: go.gov.sg/spf-inspector
DES: go.gov.sg/spf-sergeant