The Certis Cisco west hub stands before you. A modern building. It hums with activity. But its story is far from modern.
This isn’t just a building. It’s a legacy. It’s the evolution of a security force. It began as a small Guard and Escort unit within the Singapore Police Force in 1958. This humble beginning grew. It expanded its role and responsibilities.
In 1972 the unit transformed. It became the Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation or CISCO. A statutory board. CISCO held a monopoly on private armed security in Singapore. Imagine the responsibility. Imagine the power.
CISCO’s officers received rigorous training. Similar to regular police officers. Their uniforms mirrored those of the SPF. The public couldn’t easily distinguish them. This was intentional. It bolstered the feeling of police presence. This was especially true in sensitive locations. Locations such as the Istana or VVIP residences.
Over time CISCO diversified. It moved beyond armed guards. It offered a wide range of services. From data security to IT-related consultancy. This growth led to new facilities. The CISCO headquarters building on Jalan Affifi opened in 1986. It was state-of-the-art. It even had Singapore’s first computerized indoor shooting range.
The 2005 corporatization was a milestone. CISCO became a fully owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings. It was no longer a statutory board. It was a private company. The name changed to Certis Cisco. Later simply Certis. But the dedication remained. The commitment to security stayed strong.
The Certis Cisco west hub you see today represents this journey. It embodies the evolution from a small police unit to a major security provider. It stands as a testament to its dedicated officers. To their unwavering commitment to Singapore’s safety. A commitment that began in 1958 and continues to this day. Look closely. You’re standing before a piece of Singapore’s history. A history written in dedication and service.