Singapore Has Zero Tolerance Policy On Abuse Of Safe Distancing Officers After Dozen Reported Cases
While the daily Covid-19 statistic is concerning, it isn’t the only number we should be worried about. Sadly, abuse cases against enforcement officers and safe distancing ambassadors are on the rise as well.
As of Thursday (16 Apr), Singapore Police Force (SPF) has received 12 reports where members of the public physically or verbally abuse enforcement officers (EOs) and ambassadors for carrying out their duties.
SPF has since shared in a Facebook post on Saturday (18 Apr) that there is “zero tolerance” towards such abuse.
Those found guilty of verbally abusing officers and ambassadors face fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
Using criminal force to deter public servants from carrying out their duties constitutes a jail term of up to 4 years, a fine, or both.
For voluntarily causing hurt, offenders face imprisonment terms of up to 7 years, a fine, or caning.
Citizens advised to bring ICs with them when out
According to SPF, not sharing your personal particulars and residential address when required by an enforcement officer is also a punishable offence.
Hence, members of the public are advised to have their identity cards or any form of identification with them when out.
Police currently investigating offences
In a joint press release on Friday (17 Apr), SPF and Ministry of Environment and Water Resources have shared information regarding some cases of abuse.
- On 14 Apr, a 35-year-old man and his 33-year-old female companion hurled vulgarities at 3 ambassadors who advised the man not to sit on a crossed-out seat at a hawker centre located at Toa Payoh Lorong 5.
- On 15 Apr, a 72-year-old man slapped an EO who had requested for his particulars after observing that he was consuming food at a hawker centre located at Block 89 Circuit Road.
- On 15 Apr, a 40-year-old man head-butted an EO who had advised him to stop playing basketball at the cordoned-off Khatib Multi-Purpose Hall.
- On 15 Apr, a 79-year-old man punched an EO who had advised him to wear his face mask properly along Havelock Road.
- On 16 Apr, a 37-year-old man insulted a police officer who was issuing a Notice of Composition to his female friend for not wearing a face mask while outside The Cathay.
Such behaviour is not just uncalled for, but disgraceful as well.
Cooperate with EOs and Ambassadors
Safe distancing measures are in place for a reason, and it is important we comply with them. People who believe they are above the measures are a threat to the community, and should be dealt with severely.
We need to be considerate about the health and safety of not just ourselves, but the people around us as well.
Do comply with EOs and ambassadors, as they are only trying to help keep all of us safe.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.
