Certis Cisco requires officers to remain at home when on MC & share live location if otherwise, or face disciplinary action

The Certis Cisco Auxiliary Police Force has a new medical leave policy that has left some of its officers concerned.

According to a Mothership reader, the recently-implemented policy has raised "significant concerns".

The reader shared that in March 2025, the management had issued a directive that all officers on medical leave must always remain at their declared residential address.

If they are not found at their declared homes during unannounced supervisor visits (dubbed "Get Well Soon visits"), the officers must submit their live GPS location via WhatsApp or conduct a video call.

Those who fail to comply with these directions would receive a warning letter or face other disciplinary actions, which could culminate in termination, regardless of the validity of their medical certificate.

Previous policy

The reader shared that previously there were apparently no home visits, sharing of live location, or video call checks for those on medical leave.

Officers were only required to inform their managers that they would be out sick two hours before their scheduled duty and had to submit their medical certificate by 12pm.

A WhatsApp message seen by Mothership of the new directives stated, "the moment you are not home without a valid reason, a letter of warning will be issued."

"If you are not home, do share your live location or conduct a video call to ensure their safety and well-being [sic].

Please be aware that any non-compliance identified may result in disciplinary action, which could include termination."

Another message highlighted that there were recent cases in which officers on medical leave were not at their registered residential addresses during house visits.

The message added that officers should inform their managers if they choose to stay at a location other than their declared residence, and officers are encouraged to share their pinned location when they are not at their place of residence.

"This measure is essentially to ensure the safety and well-being of our officers during their recovery."

The reader speculated that the new policy was implemented to discourage officers from taking medical leave for minor ailments, and to reduce the overall amount of medical leave taken.

Medical leave guidelines "support rest and recovery": Certis

"This is an outrageous abuse of authority, especially for foreign workers who may not fully understand their legal protections or feel unable to challenge such actions," the reader told Mothership.

"These enforcement tactics appear to serve more as a tool of suspicion and surveillance than genuine welfare checks," said the reader.

In response to Mothership's queries, Certis spokesperson Robin Goh explained that their medical leave guidelines are "designed to support rest and recovery".

"When employees are on medical leave, managers may check in on them, particularly those on extended medical leave. This includes visiting the employee's home with small care gestures."

Goh added that while most employees use medical leave responsibly, they have also implemented safeguards "to ensure the system is used appropriately".

If there is reason to believe the system is being misused, Certis will conduct a review in line with internal protocols, and disciplinary actions will be considered only in clear and substantiated cases where medical leave is abused.

"As a people-first organisation, we remain committed to building a culture of care, trust and accountability," said Goh.

Top photos via Canva & Google Maps