SPF strengthens HR processes as part of amendments to Police Force Act, effective 2 Sep 2022

Among the amendments made, the Commissioner of Police will now be allowed to retain regular police officers in times of crisis by refusing notices of resignation.

Part two of the amendments to Singapore's Police Force Act (PFA), which were passed in Parliament on 3 August 2021, have come into force effective 2 September 2022.

The amendments will include the strengthening of the Singapore Police Force's (SPF) HR, administrative, and disciplinary processes, as follows: 

1. allow the Commissioner of Police (CP) to retain regular police officers in times of crisis by refusing notices of resignation.
2. make explicit the need for police officers to return issued equipment or property upon his or her resignation, dismissal, or discharge.
3. empower the CP and the Deputy Commissioner of Police to delegate his or her powers to civilian officers in leadership positions.
4. increase levers over officers for disciplinary offences, including:
   1. increased fines for disciplinary offences committed by regular police officers below the rank of Inspector and Volunteer Special Constabulary officers.
   2. issuance of orders to compel operationally ready National Servicemen who have committed disciplinary offences to report for disciplinary proceedings without having to make up for any loss in civilian remuneration.

Part one of the amendments to HR, administrative, and disciplinary processes, which came into effect on 1 January 2022, included:

1. for the Minister for Home Affairs and CP to respectively be the authorities to appoint, promote, reduce rank, dismiss, and discharge Special Police Officers (SPOs) ranked Superintendent and above, and Deputy Superintendent and below. This is aligned with the promotion authorities for SCDF.
2. allowing SPOs and civilian officers employed by SPF to join police associations alongside police officers, as an avenue to advance their welfare.
3. other minor operational amendments to streamline processes controlling the sale of police uniforms or insignias, and the issuance of warrant cards.

The full set of amendments can be found here.

Image / Shutterstock

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!