Chris Brown has started serving his community service from his assault sentence.

According to eonline.com the singer, who was surrounded by paparazzi, was spotted cleaning the grounds and picking up rubbish at the Richmond Police Department horse stable in Virginia.

"On my way to community service...," Brown tweeted on the morning before he began his community service.

Later in the afternoon Brown posted a picture of himself in his fluorescent clothes and tweeted: "CHECK OUT MY OUTFIT."

James Mercantile, a spokesperson for the Richmond Police Department said they expect to be able to prevent the paparazzi from intruding on Brown until he completes his sentence.

"Due to tactical considerations the Richmond Police Department is not releasing details of Chris Brown's start date, work schedule or duties."

"The Police Department has guaranteed the judge that they will handle the situation," said Mercantile.

Apart from maintaining the stable Brown will also clean graffiti, pick up rubbish along the road and wash police cars.

Brown (20) was sentenced to five years probation and six months community labour for beating his then girlfriend Rihanna early this year. Brown was also ordered to stay away from Rihanna for the next five years.