Auxiliary police officer arrested for not returning firearm and equipment after duty at Changi Airport

An auxiliary police officer, deployed at Changi Airport, was taken into custody early Friday (10 May) morning after failing to return his service revolver, ammunition, and baton following the completion of his shift.

The arrest occurred at a shopping mall along Victoria Street approximately two-and-a-half hours after the incident was first reported to the authorities.

The 27-year-old Singaporean officer was arrested by a coordinated effort involving over 100 personnel from various divisions including the Criminal Investigation Department, Police Intelligence Department, and the Special Operations Command.

The items were subsequently found in his possession, concealed within his bag. The exact location of the arrest remains undisclosed as investigations continue.

The incident came to light around 9:50 PM on Thursday when Certis, the security management company responsible for the officer's deployment, alerted the police through their automated arms management system after detecting that the officer had not returned his issued firearm and equipment post-duty.

"Certis management was immediately alerted and the police were subsequently informed," said a Certis spokesperson, emphasizing the efficiency of their systems to handle such breaches.

The police recovered the revolver, ammunition, and baton unharmed, and confirmed that the revolver had not been discharged or used in any threatening manner during the incident.

The officer has been suspended from duty by Certis pending further investigation, which is being supported by the security company to ensure thorough examination and compliance with safety protocols.

"The safety of the public is our utmost priority," the Certis spokesperson added, highlighting the zero tolerance policy for misuse of firearms and the expectations for strict adherence to weapon protocols by their officers.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zhang Weihan, expressed his disappointment over the breach of trust and law, stating, "The man involved in the unlawful carrying of a firearm has demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and abused the firearms entrusted to him for his duties."

The man is scheduled to be charged in court on Saturday (11 May) for unlawful carrying of a firearm.

The offense of unlawful possession and carriage of a firearm carries severe penalties, including a potential imprisonment of five to 14 years and a minimum of six strokes of the cane.

Acting DC Zhang praised the quick response of the police teams involved: "Police officers had worked tirelessly to secure his swift arrest and ensured that public safety was maintained," he affirmed, reiterating that the police will not tolerate actions that compromise the safety of the public.

The police told the media that the man would be sent for psychiatric assessment.