Skinner joined the Police Force after graduating from school in December 1954. He rose to the rank of Deputy Superintendent on 18 July 1974. In August 1974, Skinner was awarded the bronze Pingat Pentadbiran Awam state medal. After 20 years of service in the Police Force, Skinner resigned in late December 1974 and emigrated to Canada, where he worked as a handyman.
