Security officer allegedly assaulted by men at City Square Residences
Security Association Singapore condemns act, says abuse has been constant despite heavier legal penalties
SINGAPORE — A security officer was allegedly assaulted by a group of men at City Square Residences along Kitchener Link on Sunday morning (7 May).
The Security Association Singapore (SAS) confirmed in a media statement on Monday that the incident took place at around 6:30am, and a police report has been made.
According to the statement, the victim, Security Supervisor SS Suraskumar from Trek Investigations and Security Management Services, was performing his regular entry checks when the attack occurred.
SAS executive director Jourdan Sabapathy said that "the attack was caught on CCTV footage and has been shared with the authorities," adding that the injured officer is now recuperating.
Two men can be observed physically confronting the security officer in video footages shared with Yahoo Southeast Asia. One of them forcefully pushed the officer, causing him to fall backwards onto the barrier gate at the condominium's presumed entrance.
Police confirmed the incident in a statement to Yahoo Southeast Asia on Tuesday (9 May), "On 7 May 2023 at 6.52am, the Police were alerted to a case of assault at 4 Kitchener Link.
"A 56-year-old man was conscious when conveyed to the hospital. Two men, aged 26 and 58, are assisting with investigations into an alleged case of voluntarily causing hurt to security officer. Police investigations are ongoing."
SAS condemns attacks on security officers
The attack has raised concerns, with Trek managing director Suresh Ponniah expressing the company's commitment to the safety and security of its employees. He said they are cooperating with authorities to investigate and identify the perpetrators.
The residence's Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) chairman Barathan Pasupathi also said it is committed to providing care for the injured officer.
"We should collectively condemn this abuse and ensure the maximum extent of the law and enforcement is served," he added.
SAS has also condemned any form of abuse towards security officers following the recent spate of attacks against them.
It pointed out that according to a survey conducted by the Union of Security Employees last year, four in ten security officers in Singapore have faced abuse, with verbal abuse being the most common. These findings have been consistent year on year, it added.
Despite efforts to enhance the protection of security officers, such as the amendment of the Private Security Industry Act last year to create specific offences with enhanced penalties for abuse and harassment of security officers, the recent events have been the most egregious cases yet, said SAS.
In response to these incidents, SAS has been working with security agencies to provide legal assistance to abused officers.
"We have also encouraged our members to display the anti-abuse decal and to provide body worn cameras to their security officers as a deterrent," SAS added.
The association also calls for a proactive approach that involves engaging all stakeholders to change mindsets and supporting frontline workers in carrying out their duties.
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