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Volunteer Special Constabulary

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The Volunteer Special Constabulary ( VSC ) in Singapore comprises volunteers from the general public. VSC officers are imbued with equal powers of a regular police officer to enforce law and order in Singapore . They wear the same police uniform as police officers as they patrol the streets and participate in public outreach events.

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53-544: Previously headquartered at the Eu Tong Sen Street Police Station and Toa Payoh Police Station , the VSC headquarters relocated to the new Police Cantonment Complex in year 2000. The VSC was formed in 1946 to augment the slender ranks of police regulars immediately after the war, when manpower was badly needed to restore law and order. About 150 men responded to appeals made in the press and formed

106-631: A lion head watermark, and the signature of the Minister for Finance and chairman of the BCCS, on the front of the note. As an added security feature, all notes have a vertically embedded security thread. The current Portrait series was introduced in 1999, with the one- and 500-dollar denominations omitted. These notes feature the face of Yusof bin Ishak , the first president of the Republic of Singapore, on

159-532: A blue polo T-shirt and black cargo pants. VSC(C) officers serve until 60 years old. Toa Payoh Police Station 01°20′23″N 103°51′0″E  /  1.33972°N 103.85000°E  / 1.33972; 103.85000 The Toa Payoh Police Division (or 'B' Division , Chinese : 大巴窑警区, Malay : Divisyen Polis Toa Payoh) was a former police division of the Singapore Police Force , operating from 1977 to 1988. First formed in 1950 as

212-451: A common front design and varying back designs depicting the theme 'Vibrant Nation, Endearing Home'. Each note reflects a value or aspiration that defines the theme: 'Caring Community, Active Citizenry', 'Opportunities for All', 'Safe and Secure', 'Strong Families' and '...regardless of race, language or religion...'. In 2017, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei and Singapore , both

265-404: A floral theme. One-dollar banknotes were discontinued and gradually replaced with an aluminium-bronze coin. The 5-cent coin was also changed to aluminum-bronze while the 10, 20, and 50 cents remained copper-nickel. Limited numbers of commemorative bimetallic 5-dollar coins with scalloped edges were also periodically issued later during this series. This series is still in circulation. The 1 cent coin

318-724: A minimum of 5 GCE-"O" level passes, basic proficiency in English, Singapore citizenship or permanent residency, as well as minimum weight and height requirements. Male recruits must be of PES A or B in medical status. VSC recruits undergo basic non-residential training at the Home Team Academy. The Basic Course is conducted twice a week on weekday evenings for a duration of 26 weeks. It imparts volunteers with basic police skills, basic legal knowledge, street craft, firearms training, drill and T-baton training and defensive tactics. They will be required to pass prescribed examinations at

371-403: A month. The new VSC (Community) officers will now be deployed to various neighbourhood police posts in all six police divisions to carry out patrols alongside regular police officers. Unlike regular police and VSC officers, the VSC (Community) officers do not carry firearms, but will still have arrest powers and carry batons, handcuffs and communication sets. These officers wear a uniform made up of

424-702: A more market-oriented exchange regime, classified as a Monitoring Band, in which the Singapore dollar is allowed to float (within an undisclosed bandwidth of a central parity) but closely monitored by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) against a concealed basket of currencies of Singapore's major trading partners and competitors. This, in theory, allows the Singaporean government to have more control over imported inflation and to ensure that Singapore's exports remain competitive. On 1 October 2002,

477-419: A portrait of Yusof Ishak, Singapore's first president, as in the current Portrait series notes. The $ 50 note highlights Singapore's history, transformation and future. It shows the late Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, shouting "Merdeka!"—the rallying cry of Singapore's independence struggle. The note makes distinctive use of the colour gold, reflecting Singapore's Golden Jubilee. The five $ 10 notes have

530-509: A short time after the Nixon Shock of the early 1970s. As Singapore's economy grew and its trade links diversified to many other countries and regions, Singapore moved towards pegging its currency against a fixed and undisclosed trade-weighted basket of currencies from 1973 to 1985. Before 1970, the various monetary functions associated with a central bank were performed by several government departments and agencies. As Singapore progressed,

583-407: A vertically embedded security thread, while the $ 1,000 and $ 10,000 notes have two. The Ship Series of currency notes is the third set of notes to be issued for circulation in Singapore. Issued in the years 1984 to 1999, it retains the number of denominations as was in the previous two series of notes, but switches the $ 20 note for the $ 2 one. A maritime theme to reflect Singapore's maritime heritage

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636-477: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This law enforcement agency article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . SGD The Singapore dollar ( sign : S$ ; code : SGD ) is the official currency of the Republic of Singapore . It is divided into 100 cents ( Malay : sen , Chinese : 分 ; pinyin : fēn , Tamil : காசு , romanized:  kācu ). It

689-639: Is claimable per hour of administrative or operational duty regardless of rank (to cover transportation, laundry and meal expenses). Like the regulars and NS men, cash incentives are given for shooting and physical fitness: VSC officers are eligible for a SGD 200 award if they earn a marksmanship score in their annual revolver test shoot, and SGD 100/200 award for obtaining the Silver/Gold standard in their annual Individual physical proficiency test (IPPT). VSC officers are also eligible for commendations and service medals awarded to their regular counterparts, such as

742-480: Is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $ , or S$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issues the banknotes and coins of the Singapore dollar. As of 2022, the Singapore dollar is the 10th most-traded currency in the world by value. Apart from its use in Singapore, the Singapore dollar is also accepted as customary tender in Brunei according to

795-402: Is still maintained. Initially, the Singapore dollar was pegged to the pound sterling at a rate of two shillings and four pence to the dollar, or £1 = S$ 60/7 or S$ 8.57; in turn, £1 = US$ 2.80 from 1949 to 1967 so that US$ 1 = S$ 3.06. This peg to sterling was broken in 1967 when the pound was devalued to US$ 2.40 but the peg to the U.S. dollar of US$ 1 = S$ 3.06 was retained. This peg remained for

848-732: The Kandang Kerbau Police Station beside the old KK Hospital building (near the present day Land Transport Authority, Hampshire Office ) at Kampong Java Road, it was moved to the new Toa Payoh Police Station in 1977 and was subsequently renamed 'B' Division, as part of the Singapore government's effort in providing every new town with a police presence. Toa Payoh Police division was closed down in 1988, with its areas of control taken over by Tanglin Police Division ('E' Division) & Ang Mo Kio Police Division ('F' Division), respectively. The station became

901-730: The President of Singapore , considers suitable for inclusion. In 2017, the government, in the second reading of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill 2017, announced that the Currency Fund will be merged with other funds of the MAS, because the currency in circulation is effectively backed by the full financial strength and assets of MAS, which is much larger than the Currency Fund. As at 31 March 2017, MAS's assets (S$ 395 billion) were more than seven times larger than

954-732: The Straits Settlements (of which Singapore used to be part) issued its local equivalent, the Straits dollar . This was replaced by the Malayan dollar , and, from 1953, the Malaya and British Borneo dollar , which were issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo . Singapore continued to use the common currency upon joining Malaysia in 1963 and after Singapore's independence from Malaysia in 1965, but

1007-468: The $ 25 note was replaced by the $ 20 note. Each note features a bird on the left side of the note's front, a theme selected to represent a young Singapore "ever ready to take flight to greater heights". Standard on each note, is the Coat of Arms , a lion head watermark, and the signature of the Minister for Finance and chairman of the BCCS, on the front of the note. As an added security feature, all notes have

1060-495: The Board of Commissioners of Currency, Singapore (BCCS) merged with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which took over the responsibility of banknote issuance. As of 2012, the total currency in circulation was S$ 57.278 billion. All issued Singapore currency in circulation (notes and coins) are fully backed by external assets in its Currency Fund to maintain public confidence. Such external assets consists of all or any of

1113-773: The Currency Interchangeability Agreement between the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam). Likewise, the Brunei dollar is also customarily accepted in Singapore. The Spanish-American silver dollar brought over by the Manila galleons was in wide circulation in Asia and the Americas from the 16th to 19th centuries. From 1845 to 1945

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1166-820: The Headquarters for the Police Volunteer Special Constabulary from 1988 until 1994, when Force Communications Branch of the Police Technology Department took over the use of the building. The building was vacated again in year 2000 for a major refurbishment before utilisation by the Police Security Command , which is a unit similar to the Hong Kong VIP Protection Unit . This Singapore location article

1219-482: The Minister for Finance and chairman of the BCCS, on the front of the note. As an added security feature, all notes have at least one vertically embedded security thread, while the $ 10,000 note has two. The Bird Series of currency notes is the second set of notes to be issued for circulation in Singapore. Issued in the years 1976 to 1984, it has nine denominations, the same number as in the Orchid Series , albeit

1272-416: The Monetary Authority of Singapore launched a set of six commemorative notes. These commemorative notes comprise five S$ 10 polymer notes and a S$ 50 note. The note design's draw inspiration from significant milestones and achievements in Singapore's history, the multiracialism that defines the nation and the values and aspirations that underpin Singapore's progress. The front of both the $ 50 and $ 10 notes feature

1325-689: The Neighbourhood Police Centers. Unlike regular VSCs who are volunteers, Hon VSCs in Schools are appointed to carry out their responsibilities as part of their teaching or operations manager professions and do not perform police duties outside of their place of work in the schools. In 2018, the Singapore Police Force launched a new scheme that officers will undergo a shorter training duration of seven weeks and be required to perform at least eight hours of patrol duty

1378-741: The Police Good Service Medal, and the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. From 2012, VSC officers are awarded the Pingat Bakti Setia (Polis) for 25 years of continuous service in SPF. VSC officers wear the same standard blue uniforms as the officers of the Singapore Police Force. They are provided the same walkies-talkies, Steel Extendable Baton and Taurus Model 85 firearms as their standard police officer, in order to complement their abilities to support

1431-647: The SC(V) reverted to the VSC. The strength of VSC currently stands at approximately 1,400 officers. At the apex of the VSC structure is the VSC Commander, Assistant Commissioner (AC) Shng Yunn Chinn who assumed command in March 2020. The Commander is assisted by his Deputy Commander (a VSC Officer) and the Heads of respective divisions and units. The VSC organisation structure was recently reorganised to fall in line with

1484-751: The Singapore Police Force in maintaining law and order in Singapore. In 1997, the Honorary VSC (School) Scheme was started to train school teachers (usually the discipline masters or operation managers) as police officers. By 2007, 267 volunteer cops from 144 secondary schools in Singapore have been appointed Hon VSCs under this scheme. These teachers don the rank of Inspector or above. However, unlike VSCs, Hon VSCs do not perform police duties with regular officers, but confine their anti-crime activities to their own schools. Such activities may include investigations into bullying cases, advising students against committing crimes and liaising with regular police officers at

1537-471: The assets of the Currency Fund (S$ 55 billion). The proposed amendment will merge the Currency Fund with the other funds of MAS and streamline MAS's operations. The Government has said that its support for the currency in circulation, as set out in the Currency Act, remains unchanged. Singapore's foreign reserves officially stood at over US$ 288.2 billion, as of July 2022 according to the MAS. In 1967,

1590-569: The demands of an increasingly complex banking and monetary environment necessitated streamlining the functions to facilitate the development of a more dynamic and coherent policy on monetary matters. Therefore, the Parliament of Singapore passed the Monetary Authority of Singapore Act in 1970, leading to the formation of MAS on 1 January 1971. The MAS Act gave the MAS the authority to regulate all elements of monetary, banking, and financial aspects of Singapore. From 1985 onwards, Singapore adopted

1643-482: The divisional police stations, in the marine police, radio and traffic divisions. A small number was attached to the Reserve Unit to help in anti-rioting and crowd control. The VSC was renamed SC(V) (or Special Constabulary (Volunteer)), and SC(NS) (or Special Constabulary (National Service)) to reflect the two groups of special constables. Part-time Special Constabulary National Service was discontinued in 1981, and

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1696-649: The end of each stage of the training. Upon completion of their basic training, VSC officers have opportunities to attend developmental and advanced courses conducted by Tracom. Such courses cover subjects such as leadership/management, police operations and tactics. Upon graduating from their Basic Course with the rank of Sergeant 1 (SGT 1(V)), VSC officers are posted to one of the seven Police Land Divisions, or Specialised Units - Airport Police, Police Coast Guard, Traffic Police, Central Narcotics Bureau, Public Transport Security Command (TRANSCOM) and Training Command (TRACOM) - where they will work with regular police officers. In

1749-462: The first series of coins was introduced in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 dollar. These coins depicted wildlife and other images relating to the island nation and were designed by Stuart Devlin , the same artist credited for the 1966 designs on Australia's decimal coin series. The sizes were the same as those used for the Malaysian ringgit and based directly on the old coinage of

1802-460: The following: (a) gold and silver in any form; (b) foreign exchange in the form of demand or time deposits; bank balances and money at call; Treasury Bills; notes or coins; (c) securities of or guaranteed by foreign governments or international financial institutions; (d) equities; (e) corporate bonds; (f) currency and financial futures; (g) any other asset which the Authority, with the approval of

1855-499: The formal monetary union between Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei stopped in 1967, and Singapore established the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Singapore (BCCS), on 7 April 1967 and issued its first coins and notes. Nevertheless, the Singapore dollar was exchangeable at par with the Malaysian ringgit until 8 May 1973 under the Interchangeability Agreement, and interchangeability with the Brunei dollar

1908-475: The former Malaya and British Borneo dollar . The 1-cent coin was bronze while the other denominations were copper-nickel. Later, in 1976, the 1-cent coin was changed to copper-clad steel. The production of the first series was phased out by 1985. In 1985, the second series of coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 dollar. The reverse of these coins were designed by Christopher Ironside. The new series offered smaller coins depicting

1961-423: The higher denomination notes (beyond $ 100) will continue to remain legal tender. Commemorative banknotes are also released, usually in limited quantities. The first commemorative banknote was released on 24 July 1990 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Singapore's independence . Of the 5.1 million $ 50 polymer banknotes issued, 300,000 came with an overprint of the anniversary date "9 August 1990". This $ 50 note

2014-425: The obverse, and the reverse depicts a feature of civic virtue. There are both paper and polymer notes in circulation. The designs of the polymer notes are very similar to the corresponding paper note except for the slightly slippery feel and a small transparent window design in the corner of the banknote. Polymer notes are progressively replacing the paper banknotes in circulation. The notes also have Braille patterns at

2067-619: The one-dollar, now a bi-metallic coin featuring the Merlion , the fifty cents coin featuring the Port of Singapore , the twenty-cent coin depicts Changi International Airport , the ten-cent coin featuring public housing and the five-cent coin featuring the Esplanade . The second and third series of Singaporean coins have medallic orientation . The Orchid Series of currency notes is the earliest to be in for circulation in Singapore. Issued in

2120-418: The overall structure of the Singapore Police Force to complement the regular force in as many policing areas as possible. The VSC holds periodical outdoor recruitment drives to attract new blood. Applicants must meet certain basic physical and academic requirements, or can be former Police National Servicemen or ex-regular officers in the Singapore Police Force. Requirements include: age between 18–45 years old,

2173-718: The past, VSC officers were also posted to the "KV" troop of the Police Task Force, part of the Police Special Operations Command (SOC), for anti-crime policing as well as anti-rioting and crowd control duties; but the troop was disbanded in 2000 in a reorganisation of the SOC in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the US; and its 100-odd officers were transferred to other police divisions or units. Most VSC officers posted to land divisions take on

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2226-551: The pioneer batch of the VSC. The VSC has since grown and contributed significantly in maintaining law and order in Singapore. The first test for VSC was during the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950, when VSC Officers performed duties alongside the regular forces in suppressing riots. Other achievements include the arrest of a communist arsonist, the arrest of a terrorist suspected of grenade attacks in Bras Basah Road and

2279-634: The quelling of the Hock Lee bus riots in 1955. One VSC officer, Special Constable Andrew Teo Bock Lan, was fatally injured during the Hock Lee bus riots. Part-time National Service was introduced in 1967. The total force of the Special Constabulary, including volunteers and national servicemen, was 10,000 by 1977. The National Servicemen were required to serve 12 years on a part-time basis. Up to 70% of them were deployed for patrol duties in

2332-460: The rank of Station Inspector and below must put in at least 16 hours of voluntary work in the police force every month, while officers holding the rank of Inspector and above need to perform a minimum of 24 hours of voluntary service per month. Like most other volunteer organizations, members are rewarded by a sense of satisfaction and purpose, instead of in monetary terms. VSC officers are not "paid" for their duty hours, but an allowance of SGD 5.20

2385-702: The risk of money laundering, with all banks instructed to exchange the notes with MAS and not recirculate them. This is a trend in many countries like European Central Bank 's discontinuation of the 500- euro banknote in 2016 and AMBD's announcement to stop the production and issuance of the B$ 10,000 (the largest banknote) in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic . MAS would also stop producing the S$ 1,000 banknote as well from 1 January 2021 onwards, but banks would be allowed to recirculate existing notes with customers. The MAS said that

2438-447: The role of a GRF (Ground Response Force) officer - and respond to 999 calls together with the regular counterparts. It is virtually impossible to tell a VSC officer apart from a regular officer from the uniform or equipment because volunteers are dressed and equipped in the same way as regulars. Like their regular counterparts, VSC officers who pass their annual classification test shoot and Police Defensive Tactics test will be equipped with

2491-613: The serial number is replaced with a Millennium 2000 logo. These millennium notes are printed on paper as polymer notes were not introduced yet then. On 27 June 2007, to commemorate 40 years of currency agreement with Brunei, a commemorative S$ 20 note was launched; the back is identical to the Bruneian $ 20 note launched simultaneously. A circulation version of the $ 20 note can be exchanged at banks in Singapore beginning 16 July 2007, limited to two pieces per transaction. On 18 August 2015, to commemorate Singapore's 50 years of nation-building,

2544-409: The standard-issued revolver and T-baton respectively, to be used as required when performing their police duties. VSC Officers may remain active in service as long as they are medically fit. VSC officers may remain in service up to the age of 55 years regardless of rank. Extension of service till 60 years of age may be granted provided the officer meets the requisites for extension. VSC officers holding

2597-418: The top right-hand corner of the front design. The S$ 10,000 and B$ 10,000 note are the world's most valuable banknotes (that are officially in circulation). As of August 2011, it is worth over seven times as much as the next most valuable, the 1,000- Swiss franc note. On 2 July 2014, the Monetary Authority of Singapore announced that it would stop printing $ 10,000 notes starting from 1 October 2014 to reduce

2650-400: The years 1967 to 1976, it has nine denominations: $ 1, $ 5, $ 10, $ 25, $ 50, $ 100, $ 500, $ 1,000, and $ 10,000. Each note has an orchid design in the centre of the note's front, the orchid being the national flower of Singapore. A scene of Singapore is depicted on the back, which varies across denominations. Standard on each note, is the Coat of Arms , a lion head watermark, and the signature of

2703-405: Was adopted, and progressively shows across the various denominations, the different kinds of ships which have plied Singapore's waters as the country developed. These vignettes are located on the front of the note. On the back, various scenes depicting Singapore's achievements are shown, as well as an orchid , to symbolise the country's national flower. Standard on each note, is the Coat of Arms ,

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2756-539: Was taken out of circulation in 2002. On 21 February 2013, the Monetary Authority of Singapore announced a new series of coins in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 dollar, which went into circulation on 25 June 2013, featuring Singapore's national icons and landmarks. The coins are struck on a multi-ply plated-steel planchet used by the Royal Canadian Mint and comes with enhanced features to differentiate from fakes. The coins also feature new designs,

2809-408: Was the first commemorative note issued by the BCCS and was also the first polymer banknote in the history of Singapore's currency. In addition, the $ 50 note was the first note designed in Singapore by a Singapore artist. On 8 December 1999, to celebrate the coming 2000 millennium, three million $ 2 millennium notes were circulated. The note is similar to the $ 2 portrait series, except that the prefix of

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