The Singapore Police Force is one of the most recognisable uniformed organisations in Singapore and one of the 7 departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
A bachelor’s degree is not typically required to become a police officer in Singapore. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) typically sets educational requirements at the GCE ‘N’ Level with at least 5 credits or equivalent qualifications for entry-level positions.
However, it’s important to note that the specific educational requirements may vary depending on the position within the police force. While a degree is not a standard requirement for entry-level positions, there are specialized roles or career paths within the SPF that do require a degree or higher education qualifications, example Inpectors. Additionally, having a degree can be an advantage when applying for certain positions or when seeking career advancement within the SPF.
Aspiring police officers can join the Force as Direct-Entry Sergeants or Inspectors.
Entry Requirements
While the physical requirements for Sergeants and Inspectors are the same, the difference is in the entry educational qualifications. Sergeants enter with a minimum of 5 GCE ‘O’ Level Credits and Inspectors enter with a minimum of Degree pass in any discipline.
Training and Posting
Direct-Entry Sergeants go through a 6-month residential training programme while Direct-Entry Inspectors go through a 9-month residential training programme.
Direct-Entry Sergeants are trained to be Ground Response Force officers and may be posted to other departments and units, which includes frontline duties, staff work, investigation or intelligence. Depending on suitability and available vacancies, they may also be posted to specialist units such as the Police Coast Guard, Security Command and the Traffic Police.
Direct-Entry Inspectors are trained in the same curriculum with the addition of criminal investigation lessons and leadership development. They are also rotated through foundational postings in Frontline Policing as a Ground Response Force Officer, Investigation as an Investigation Officer, Command as a Team Leader and Staff as a Staff Officer.
Good-performing Direct-Entry Sergeants can be directly promoted to the rank of Inspector within the first few years in the Force, even without a degree. Additionally, the SPF also offers many scholarships and sponsorships for eligible candidates to either join the Force or to improve themselves while in the Force: