Vigilante Corps Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

PINGAT BAKTI SETIA PASOKAN PENGAWAS SINGAPURA –

Vigilante Corps Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

History of the Vigilante Corps

After separation from Malaysia on 9 Aug 1965, an urgent priority for Singapore was to build up its own defence capability. By 1966, the Singapore Government had decided to transform the Singapore Armed Forces from a small force of regulars backed by volunteer reservists into a large citizen army based on conscription and long term compulsory reservist service. On 21 Feb 1967, the Government introduced National Service. All 18 year old male Singapore citizens and permanent residents as well as civil servants and students would be called up for National Service. 10% would be called up for full-time training and after their full-time service they return to civilian life but placed in the Reserve Service. The remainder would be called up for part-time service with the People's Defence Force (PDF), the Special Constabulary (SC) and the Vigilante Corps (VC).  Thus, the Vigilante Corps was formed.

In addition to the part-time National Servicemen, the Vigilante Corps also consisted of volunteers. The Corps was affiliated to the Police Force but members of the Corps were not police officers. The function of the VC was to assist the Police Force in the maintenance of law and order, preservation of public peace, prevention and detection of crime and the apprehension of offenders.

In 1981 the Vigilante Corps was disbanded, and its members were assigned to units of the newly established Civil Defence Force

Vigilante Corps Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

The institution of the medal was approved by the President on 22 October 1974, as a reward for long and meritorious service to any member of the Vigilante Corps who, on or after 22 September 1967, has served without remuneration for nine years, either continuously or in aggregate, and who is certified by the Commissioner of Police as willing and competent to perform his duties. No period of service as s full-time member of the permanent staff of the Vigilante Corps may count towards the qualifying period. A clasp (or bar) may be awarded after each further period of qualifying service.

The design of the medal is circular and of silver, and is suspended from its ribbon by a ring. The obverse of the medal depicts the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Singapore encircled by the inscription “PINGAT BAKTI SETIA” and by laurel leaves. The reverse show the crest of the Vigilante Corps encircled by the inscription “PASOKAN PENGAWAS SINGAPURA” and laurel leaves. The ribbon is in the colours of maroon, yellow and green, from right and left to the middle of the ribbon.

This medal was superseded by The S’pore Police Service Good Service Medal on 1^st Apr 1994.