Empower security guards to police no-smoking zones

In the malls and public clubhouses that I have been to, there are notices put up on the walls of the toilets or walkways reminding people that smoking is not allowed on the premises. They warn smokers of the penalties and even advise the public to call the authorities, or the police, if smokers turn violent when approached.

With security guards on duty around the clock at some of these places, maybe the National Environment Agency (NEA) may want to consider empowering these guards to warn or book smokers, in the same way that it gives trained volunteers the authority to book litterbugs.

I reckon that even if members of the public do call the NEA hotline to report smoking offenders, the culprits would have left the area by the time its officers arrive. If security guards are given the authority, it would be faster to alert them instead.

To take this suggestion further, the NEA may work, for example, with the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications System for Security (Security WSQ) to include a module for security guard trainees, to familiarise them with the regulations, role-play scenarios they may face on the ground, or even follow NEA officers on their enforcement rounds, to learn how to approach offenders and what to do if offenders are uncooperative.

The Police Licensing and Regulatory Department could also ensure that these security guards pass the module before being given their licences. It helps that security guards are already in uniform when they are at work, and they carry a certain degree of authority.

For those of us who are public-spirited but not trained, it is unwise for us to approach offenders and risk confrontation, or even assault in the worst-case scenario.