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Police Heritage: The Spirit of Volunteerism

Walk down memory lane with the Volunteer Special Constabulary from post-war to today!

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A VSC officer providing a motorist with directions in 1951. Photo: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

Since October 1946, the Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) has been working alongside regular Police officers to keep Singapore safe and secure. In response to a call for volunteers, around 150 men stepped up to help restore law and order in a war-torn Singapore by conducting mobile patrols in residential areas, securing warehouses and stores.

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In 1957, hundreds of VSC officers joined in an extensive search for Mr Tan Eng Chuang, the nephew of rubber industrialist and founder of Nanyang University, Mr Tan Lark Sye, who’d been kidnapped on his way home. Photo: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

During the post-war years, VSC officers were also involved in suppressing public order incidents such as the Maria Hertogh riots and Hock Lee Bus riots as well as combating crimes associated with secret societies.

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VSC officers receiving training on conducting car searches at the Police Training School, 1951. Photo: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

Over time, VSC training became more structured, with officers undergoing six months of non-residential training that covered essential legal knowledge, policing procedures, Police defense tactics, first aid, and firearms use. Changes were implemented to provide more posting opportunities for officers.

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VSC and VSC(C) officers enforce law and order during active foot patrols. PHOTO: SPF

To enhance community engagement, the VSC Community scheme was introduced in 2018 to strengthen police presence and foster better police-community relations.

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VSC(C) Felix Lee (foreground) and VSC(C) Danial (pictured in background) proactively engages with members of the public. PHOTO: SPF

Special Constable (V) Muhammad Danial Bin Abdul Halim, a 28-year-old who’s currently attached to Woodlands Police Division shares that “this role truly aligns with my values and interest in keeping Singapore safe.” A recipient of the Commitment Award for Outstanding Performance in 2021 and 2022 and Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2023, Danial encourages potential candidates to “take the plunge” to make a positive impact on the community and sign up today if keen.