Security Agency Websites: Police Licence, SACE and PWM

Who needs a security agency licence, including for advertising

The Singapore Police Force's security agency licence page says a licence is required if your company supplies the services of security officers to others for reward, or advertises or in any way holds out that it supplies, or is willing to supply, security officers for reward. Operating without a valid licence is an offence under the Private Security Industry Act 2007.

That second limb matters for websites. A new company cannot put up a site offering guarding services while its licence application is still pending. Wait until the licence is granted before publishing service pages or running ads.

SACE results and licence tenure explained

SPF's SACE information page says SACE replaced the former Security Agencies Grading Exercise from 1 January 2022. Agencies are assessed on core and elective competencies, and the result decides how long a licence lasts.

SPF publishes SACE results lists, and earlier results notes told service buyers they may ask an agency for a copy of its valid licence. A longer licence tenure is therefore a meaningful signal to buyers, as long as you describe it accurately.

First-time applicants also need initial paid-up capital of S$500,000, according to the same page. Changes of directors, partners or business name are now updated with ACRA within 14 days, without a separate notice to PRD if ACRA is updated.

What to show on the website, and where

1. 1

   Create a Licences and Compliance page

   Show the security agency licence number, licensee name as registered with ACRA, licence validity dates and tenure, and your latest SACE outcome in plain words.

2. 2

   Add the licence number to the footer

   A short line on every page, such as 'Security Agency Licence No. xxxx, valid to dd/mm/yyyy'.

3. 3

   Link to official sources

   Link to SPF's SACE page, where results are published, so buyers can verify. Avoid copying logos or badges that are not officially issued to you.

4. 4

   Repeat details in tender documents

   Put the licence, SACE outcome and PWM statement in your company profile and proposal template.

5. 5

   Update on renewal

   PRD sends a renewal and SACE notice about six months before expiry. Update the website, footer and templates the day a new licence is granted.

This is the same approach other licensed trades use. Our cleaning company website guide shows it for NEA licence classes.

Progressive Wage Model and officer welfare statements

MOM's security sector PWM page says PWM wage and training requirements are mandatory for Singapore citizen and PR security officers in licensed agencies, and that PWM is a licensing condition for security agencies under PRD. It also notes that under PRD's licensing conditions, officers should not work more than 72 extra hours a month.

Buyers increasingly care about this because outcome-based contracting and fair wages appear in tenders. Useful, accurate statements include:

• We meet PWM wage and training requirements for all local security officers.
• Our officers' overtime stays within PRD's licensing limits.
• Officers hold valid security officer licences and the required training.

Only publish statements you can prove with payroll and training records. A claim that turns out untrue can cost you a tender and attract regulatory attention.

Recruitment pages for security officers

Many agencies recruit officers continuously, so the careers page often gets more traffic than the services pages. Keep it fair and lawful.

If you also place workers for other employers, MOM's employment agency rules may apply; our employment agency website guide covers those.

Handling security officers' personal data

Agencies hold sensitive data on officers: NRIC numbers, licence details, addresses, bank accounts, medical information and deployment rosters. Clients may also receive officer details for site access. The PDPA requires reasonable security arrangements for all of it.

Security firms are also targets for phishing and payroll fraud, because HR and finance staff handle many bank details.

Do it yourself or get help?

A simple site with a clear licence page, accurate SACE and PWM statements and a working careers form covers most needs. Our guide to website costs in Singapore gives realistic budgets.

Our Business Website (S$1,490) builds up to 6 pages with a contact form, WhatsApp button and on-page SEO, which fits services, licences and careers pages. Security Awareness Training (S$390) helps HR and operations staff recognise phishing and protect officer data.