The Police are investigating three men and one woman, aged between 25 and 54, for alleged abusive behaviour towards enforcement officers and Safe Distancing Ambassadors (SDAs), as well as non-compliance with safe distancing measures (SDM), in three separate incidents.
Preliminary investigations revealed the following:
- On 26 May 2021, the Police received a report from an SDA informing that while she was performing her duties along Crawford Lane, a 54-year-old man had allegedly approached and taunted her by pulling down his mask and asking her to catch him. A 25-year-old woman then approached the SDA, allegedly pushed her on her shoulder, and stepped on her foot. The man and the woman then fled the scene. Through investigations, the identity of the man and the woman were established, and they are assisting with investigations for using criminal force, voluntarily causing hurt, and for flouting safe distancing measures. Investigations are ongoing.
- On 27 May 2021, the Police attended to a case at the void deck along Yishun Street 11 where a group of men were involved in a dispute. Upon arrival, officers spotted the men allegedly gathering with beer cans strewn across a table beside them. As Police officers were interviewing the group, a 39-year-old man from the group suddenly wanted to leave. Police officers asked for the man to remain, but he allegedly became rowdy and used vulgarities against the officers. The 39-year-old man then purportedly punched another man from the group in the view of Police officers, when the other man tried to calm him down. The 39-year-old man was arrested for using abusive language against a public servant and for causing annoyance whilst drunk. The 39-year-old man, together with others in the group, will also be investigated for a breach of safe distancing measures. Investigations are ongoing.
- On 10 June 2021, the Police received a call for assistance from a Safe Distancing Enforcement Officer (SDEO) at a food center along Redhill Lane. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man allegedly used abusive language towards the SDEO, when he was advised not to sit at the table in the food center to consume his food and drinks. When the Police officers advised him to refrain from sitting at the table to consume his food, the man purportedly refused to comply and continued to use abusive language towards the SDEO. He will be charged in court on 11 June 2021 for using abusive language against a public servant.
Individuals found guilty of using criminal force, punishable under Section 352 of the Penal Code, are liable for imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to $1,500, or both.
Individuals found guilty of voluntarily causing hurt, punishable under Section 323 of the Penal Code, are liable for imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Individuals found guilty of using abusive words against public servant, punishable under Section 6(3) of the Protection from Harassment Act, are liable for a fine not exceeding $5,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding 12 months, or both.
Individuals found guilty of causing annoyance whilst drunk, punishable under Section 14(2) of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015, are liable for a fine not exceeding $1,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding six months, or both.
Individuals who are found not to be wearing a mask or not wearing a mask properly outside their place of residence and for participating in a social gathering exceeding prevailing limits may be liable for a breach under Regulation 3A and Regulation 6 of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 respectively. Offenders may face a fine not exceeding $10,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding six months, or both.
Individuals who are found siting on a fixed seat that is demarcated as not to be occupied may also be liable for a breach under Regulation 7(3)(a) of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. Offenders may face a fine not exceeding $10,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding six months, or both.
The Police take a serious view of abusive behaviour against Police officers,SDAs and SDEOs; as well as irresponsible behaviour relating to flouting safe distancing measures. Offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Members of the public are advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
11 June 2021 @ 12:30 AM