This Police Day, we had a chat with INSP (APF) Clifford Tan Junming, whose career journey spans both public and private security sectors. With nearly eight years of experience in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), INSP (APF) Clifford decided to step out of his comfort zone, embarking on a new chapter in his career by joining AETOS as a Senior Auxiliary Police Officer earlier this year.

In our conversation, INSP (APF) Clifford recounts his journey and key takeaways from his professional transition, as well as his future aspirations as he continues to contribute to national security.

Hi Clifford! Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to join AETOS?

Hello everyone! I’m INSP (APF) Clifford Tan Junming and I joined AETOS in February this year. Before this, I served with SPF in the Special Operations Command (SOC) for four years. Following that, I spent another four years with the Ministry of Home Affairs under CNB as an Investigation Officer (IO).

My professional journey thus far has been incredibly fulfilling. When I eventually decided to leave SPF and CNB to join AETOS, my primary motivation was to broaden my skills and expand my career horizons within the private sector.

During my time as an IO in CNB, I had the opportunity of working alongside AETOS auxiliary police officers. Not only were they very supportive, but their meticulous attention to SOPs, vigilance and professionalism were also consistently evident. These interactions left a lasting impression on me. 

I even witnessed several occasions where AETOS officers effectively detected and managed threats, such as uncooperative and potentially dangerous suspects, all while maintaining their composure under challenging circumstances. These experiences greatly influenced my perception of AETOS and ultimately inspired me to become a part of this dedicated team.
 

What motivated you to transition from the Singapore Police Force to AETOS, and how has the experience been for you so far?

The transition was motivated by my desire to deepen my experience in the security industry while developing new skills, such as leadership and operations management.

In SPF’s SOC, I was part of the contingency force activated during crises, dealing with public security threats like riots, active gunmen and terrorism. This role required me to be constantly prepared for high-stress and high-stake situations.

In contrast, my current role at AETOS requires more focus on operational planning and people management. I am currently understudying as an Officer Commanding (OC) at Charlie Division, which involves managing manpower deployment at the checkpoint and ensuring that our officers meet their KPIs.

The experience so far has been both challenging and fulfilling. One of the biggest challenges is resource management and handling time-critical assignments that require immediate attention and resolution. In my previous role, I was managing a team of 32 officers. Now, I am tasked with a greater responsibility of leading more than 100 officers across three sectors.

Despite these challenges, the opportunity to lead and work with a larger team has been incredibly rewarding. It has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, and I am excited about the continuous learning and development opportunities that come with this role.
 

How has your experience in the SPF helped you in your current role as an auxiliary police officer at AETOS?

My experience in SPF’s SOC taught me to make swift, informed decisions under pressure, a useful and transferable skill that has proven invaluable in my current role at AETOS. As an APO, I still need to act with agility, especially in my decision-making process, while maintaining a systematic approach in our daily operations.

At AETOS, we handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as fulfilling ad-hoc assignments and meeting daily operational requirements. The ability to multitask and ensure smooth operations is a skill that continues to serve me well.
 

How do you see the roles of SPF and AETOS complementing each other in securing our nation and communities?⁠

Both SPF and AETOS share the common goal of protecting our communities. Whether we are performing traffic control, guard and patrol duties, or managing access points, our roles are highly complementary with the Home Team Agencies—all of us are serving a greater purpose in ensuring Singapore’s safety and security. All of us have a part to play.

What milestones have you achieved at AETOS, and what are your goals for the future?

One of my recent key highlights was completing the Mental Well-being Course and becoming a certified AETOS Well-being Coach.

Completing this course gives me the assurance that I can lead my officers effectively, providing them with the psychological support they need. If they face certain issues, they can come to me, and I will always be ready to lend a listening ear and offer the necessary assistance.

In the future, I look forward to advancing my career at AETOS by taking on more leadership roles within the organisation. I aim to be a role model and mentor for new, budding officers as they embark on their careers here, supporting and growing together with them in their professional journey.
 

What advice would you give to individuals considering a career in the security industry?

It’s crucial to stay vigilant, open-minded, and never be complacent. When you decide to make a career switch, always be committed even if you face challenges in adapting to new environments and people. Embrace learning and believe in your decisions!
 

⁠Finally, any message you would like to share this Police Day?

Happy Police Day to all serving officers, past and present! Thank you for securing our future together and making Singapore a safe place for all.