DSP (V) Paul Seah shares his journey from an NPCC cadet to being appointed an Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the President!
By: Ashwini Jayasankar
Good planning and a supportive family are what Deputy Superintendent of Police (Volunteer) or DSP (V) Paul Seah credits for a fulfilling journey as a Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) officer. Appointed Head VSC, Airport Police Division (APD) in November 2022, he shares his policing journey with us!
What’s your regular job when you’re not a VSC officer?
I’ve been teaching Geography for 10 years and am currently Head of Department, Student Management and Talent Development at a secondary school.
What inspired you to sign up as a VSC officer?
I was a National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) cadet in secondary school and continued to be a Cadet Inspector and an Honorary Officer in my post-secondary days. The foundation that the NPCC provided me piqued my interest in doing real policing work, and I signed up to be a VSC officer after I completed my National Service (NS) with the Singapore Armed Forces in 2005.
Tell us about your experience at the APD.
I was posted to the APD in November 2022, and this was my first posting as Head VSC, as well as in a specialist unit. The experience has been more than great. I have a wonderful team of VSC and VSC (Community) officers who’re motivated to keep Changi Airport safe and secure. We participate in operations to secure the terminals and transit areas, and our duties include looking out for overstayers, travellers with invalid passports, and to deter crimes such as shop theft, within our airport.
How do you foster a sense of community amongst your officers?
Being a relatively small VSC unit allows for a close-knit community. When I was first posted here, my first priority was to get to know our VSC officers, as well as the regular officers, well. I’m thankful that all of them have been very welcoming and receptive, and we’ve fostered a very close working relationship. We really look after each other through mutual trust and open communication.
You had the opportunity to take part in the 2019 National Day Parade (NDP). Tell us more about this experience.
I was the reserve Volunteer Contingent Commander at NDP 2019 at the Padang. It was very interesting as I got to train and march with volunteer officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and SAF. To march on the Padang, which has played such a large part in Singapore’s history, was a surreal experience, and I’d do it all over again!
What has been your most memorable experience as a VSC officer?
When I was appointed an Honorary Aide-de-Camp (HADC) to the President in 2019. It’s an honour to be the first VSC officer appointed as a HADC since the 1990s.
I’ve completed many HADC duties and, when I happen to mention to guests or dignitaries that I’m a volunteer Police officer, they’re often intrigued and amazed that we have such a scheme in Singapore. I’m happy to share with them that while there are certain nuances to the work of VSC officers, our fundamental role is the same as that of regular officers – to prevent, deter and detect crime.
What advice do you have for those interested in serving as VSC officers?
What are you waiting for? Take the leap of faith!
Besides “Volunteer,” what does the “V” in “VSC” mean to you?
We’re versatile and have the important capacity to add value to the SPF. VSC officers come from all walks of life. We bring our life experiences to aid us in policing work and provide a fresh perspective when carrying out our duties. Because of this versatility, we’re a force for the nation and help to make Singapore one of the safest countries in the world.
We can all play a part to keep Singapore safe and secure! Learn more about the Volunteer Special Constabulary.
Explore Our Content
Editor's Pick
