Rarely do we appreciate and comprehend the activities that go on behind the scenes. Security is one such matter that is often taken for granted daily, but for AETOS and its officers, such complacency can only be a cardinal sin.

By Azhar Jalil

Imagine the weight of preserving and protecting the multi-million dollar refineries and petrochemical facilities that form the industrial backbone of Singapore’s economy. Or try to picture the responsibility that comes with ensuring the safety and security of the thousands of passengers that pass through the country’s portals daily...

AETOS, an Auxiliary Police Force (APF), carries out such tasks with pride. The company defines itself as a security service provider that specialises in armed protection services for key installations and strategic industries.

Professional security
The men and women of AETOS fill a niche role where the focus is on security delivered with a high level of professionalism and excellence.

Auxiliary Police Officer (APO) Nurshahidah is one such person with that heavy responsibility placed on her youthful shoulders. She joined AETOS two years ago right after completing her ‘O’ levels.

“I don’t like to work in an office environment. In fact, I prefer jobs that are outdoors and rough,” says the self-confessed tomboy who, from young, has always had a love for anything police-related.

The job has taken her from security checkpoints in Changi Airport to Jurong Island, where new sets of challenges await at each different location.

A typical workday involves dealing with the human traffic that streams through the checkpoints. Occasionally, there are some who unwittingly try to challenge the security procedures in place.

“I remember there was this one person who had forgotten to bring his pass. He said, ‘I work here! Why do I need a visitor pass?’ even though everyone needed one to enter Jurong Island,” recalls APO Nurshahidah. “We have to be firm but at the same time handle the situation as gently as possible,” she adds.

In another encounter, APO Nurshahidah’s team had to deal with an intrusion attempt. “We noticed someone loitering around the security perimeter. When we approached him and asked about his business, he was fidgety and not obliging with information. It was only after some intensive questioning that he revealed his true identity as an assessor from the Security Industry Regulatory Department (SIRD).”

This vigilance earned AETOS an ‘A’ in last year’s SIRD grading exercise. The company is one of only 19 to achieve the award amongst Singapore’s 250 private security firms.

The human factor
Today’s social context however, requires that even stern officers provide that human touch in the line of duty. Inspector (APF) Mustapha Kamal makes it a point to be polite through GST—not the tax, but his habit of “Greeting, Smiling and Thanking”.

“I can be with other police officers carrying out our duties but if I can add value to our service by smiling, it will only add respect to our function,” says the Deputy Commanding Officer of AETOS’ security screening unit.

Insp. Mustapha has come far since joining the force as a Police Constable two decades ago. He has risen through the ranks and worn many hats along the way. His area of expertise is in profiling and scrutinising passengers to weed out those who portray a threat to other travellers.

“How I was brought up, I am able to know what my man on the ground is thinking and how he feels. At the same time, I also have a helicopter point of view in my role,” he says. This appreciation for his men’s concerns allows him to manage them better, in turn delivering a better security package to the company’s clients.

In his current role, Insp. Mustapha commands 350 Security Screening Officers (SSOs) and is responsible for ensuring smooth operations. To do so, he helps the supervisors under his charge to upgrade, making them more competent and versatile. Another priority is to keep an eye on both security and costs, making sure that procedures remain effective yet economically viable.

Insp. Mustapha’s greatest challenge however was when he had to trim his unit down from 700 to its current strength. Even though there was little retrenchment owing to transfers to other divisions and firms, he still describes losing his officers as a “heart-wrenching and painful process”.

More than ready
A career with AETOS is one that brings about many benefits. APO Nurshahidah, currently a recruitment officer, finds the working culture a close and supportive one. She was initially apprehensive about taking up the role.

“However, my seniors were never short of encouraging words. Even though I was afraid, they always urged me to try,” she explained. “I also learnt a lot, working the ground with former Singapore Police Force and other senior officers who shared much of their experience with me.”

New hires can expect training in unarmed tactics, small arms, and methods of inspection amongst other programs to ensure that they are able to perform their duties effectively.

Beyond that, AETOS officers gain exposure to various job scopes that imbue confidence. These combine to ensure that people like Insp. Mustapha and APO Nurshahidah are adequately prepared to play a vital role in ensuring the security of our shores.

Surely a heavy responsibility in itself, but as APO Nurshahidah matter-of-factly says, “I’m just doing my job.”

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