Based on preliminary investigations, the man had reported to work and drawn his revolver before beginning his deployment at Changi Airport.
In a statement to the media, Certis said that he failed to return his firearm at the end of his shift, and this was detected by the company’s automated arms management system.
“Certis management was immediately alerted and the police was subsequently informed,” a Certis spokesperson said, adding that the company has “put in place stringent systems and processes to detect and deal with such incidents in a timely manner, including a warning system that triggers an alert when a firearm is not returned post-duty”.
After his shift, the man changed out of his uniform and left his workplace with the revolver, ammunition and baton without authorisation, said the police.
The items were recovered from the man and the revolver was not discharged or used against anyone during the incident, said the police.
The Certis spokesperson said that the man has been suspended from service pending further police investigations.
“Certis will continue to render our full assistance to the police in their investigations,” the spokesperson said.
“The safety of the public is our utmost priority. Certis has zero tolerance for misuse of firearms and we expect full compliance from our officers to adhere to our strict protocol on weapons and controlled equipment.”
The man will be charged in court on Saturday for unlawful carrying of a firearm.
The offence carries a potential jail term of between five and 14 years, and at least six strokes of the cane.
“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,” said acting deputy commissioner of police Zhang Weihan.
“Police officers had worked tirelessly to secure his swift arrest and ensured that public safety was maintained,” added Acting DC Zhang, who is also the director of the Criminal Investigation Department.
“The police will not tolerate such acts that endanger the public’s safety.”
