Should More Be Done To Empower Security Guards In Condominiums and Private Establishments?

Recently, a video of a condominium resident insulting a security guard went viral.

The resident, named Ramesh, shouted profanities at the old security guard after the latter had asked his guests to pay a $10 parking fee. He shamelessly exclaimed that he bought the property for $1.5 million and expected better treatment as it was not a HDB.

Many Singaporeans were angry at how he treated the old man who was just carrying out his duties. Some shamed him and demanded answers from his employer, J P Morgan.

The security guard has since lodged a police report.

In Singapore, such incidents involving the abuse of security guards are not uncommon, with officers often being subjected to violence and injuries.

Just last month, a British national was sentenced to jail for assaulting a security officer at Roxy Square Shopping Centre. He lashed out at the man after failing to find an exit.

In a well-known incident, two Chinese sisters were fined for assaulting their condominium staff at Simei Green.

Currently, security officers working in public hospitals, public educational institutions or other public spaces are covered under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA). Perpetrators who threaten, abuse or insult public service workers can be fined up to $5,000 or jailed for up to 12 months, or both.

However, security guards working in condominiums and private establishments, like the old man who was harassed by Ramesh, are not covered by the POHA.

These recurring assaults call for more measures to protect security officers. It is especially necessary as these positions are mostly taken up by the older generation. While it may be a little late, it is nevertheless fortunate that plans are under way to cover private security officers under the POHA (as announced by MP for the Pasir Ris East Constituency Zainal Sapari).

Such a move will certainly help to protect security officers from being wrongly attacked for carrying out their duties. With more measures in place, will Singaporeans see a decline in these incidents? If not, could additional laws, besides the POHA, be implemented to empower them against violent aggressors?

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