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New Bill aims to boost police force’s operational effectiveness

SINGAPORE — Those who try to evade police roadblocks, such as drink-drivers, will face stiffer penalties, under changes proposed to the Police Force Act tabled in Parliament yesterday.

SINGAPORE — Those who try to evade police roadblocks, such as drink-drivers, will face stiffer penalties, under changes proposed to the Police Force Act tabled in Parliament yesterday.

If the Bill is passed, the offence, which the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said endangers the lives and safety of other road users, will carry a maximum fine of S$5,000 and/or jail of up to one year. Currently, the offence is punishable by a fine not exceeding S$1,000 and/or imprisonment up to six months.

To enhance operational effectiveness, the MHA wants to equip civilian officers, such as forensic specialists and community wardens, with powers to help them discharge their duties. Forensic specialists, for example, will be empowered to secure and search a crime scene, as well as seize evidence. They may be equipped with handcuffs or cable ties, batons and defensive weapons to help them in their duty to prevent unauthorised access to a crime scene.

Community wardens, meanwhile, may also be deployed to respond to complaints about noise. These civilians may be authorised to obtain statements from the person accused of causing the annoyance and give him a composition offer.

The ministry also aims to allow Police National Servicemen to continue serving past the statutory age, if they choose to do so. These officers’ knowledge and experience will be valuable if they continue serving in key command and staff positions, said MHA.

The powers of auxiliary police officers will also be clarified under the Bill. The Bill makes clear that they can detain or arrest offenders only under certain conditions — when an arrestable but non-bailable offence, such as theft, has been committed.

Separately, to crack down on the impersonation of police officers, the MHA is proposing to criminalise the unauthorised use of items bearing Singapore Police Force logos and insignias. Such an offence would carry a fine of up to S$2,500 and/or jail not exceeding six months. The unauthorised distribution of such items would be punishable by a maximum fine of S$10,000 and/or up to three years’ jail.

The MHA also seeks to align the disciplinary process for junior police officers — those below the rank of Inspector — with that for civil servants.

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