VSC at A Glance

VSC was formed in 1946 to augment the slender ranks of the regulars immediately after the war, when manpower was badly needed to restore law and order. About 150 men responded to appeals made in the press and formed the pioneers of the VSC. The VSC had since grown and contributed significantly in maintaining law and order in Singapore.

The first test for VSC was during the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950, when VSC Officers performed duties alongside the regular forces in suppressing riots. Other achievements include the arrest of a communist arsonist, the arrest of a terrorist suspected of grenade attacks in Bras Basah Road and the quelling of the Hock Lee Bus riots in 1955. One VSC Andrew Teoh Boh Lan was fatally injured during the Hock Lee Bus riot.

Part-time National Service was introduced in 1967. The total force of the Special Constabulary, including volunteers and national servicemen, was 10,000 by 1977. The National Servicemen were required to serve 12 years on part-time basis. Up to 70% of them were deployed for patrol duties in neighbourhood policing units, in coast guard, radio and traffic divisions. A small number was attached to field services to help in crowd control.

Part-time Special Constabulary National Service was discontinued in 1981. However, some of them remained in the Force as volunteers up to this day.