The Police are investigating a 50-year-old man for allegedly using abusive language towards Police officers, and a 32-year-old man for allegedly using criminal force against a safe Distancing Enforcement Officer (SDEO), in two separate incidents.
Preliminary investigations revealed that:
- In the first incident, on 12 May 2021, the Police attended to a case at a coffeeshop along Yishun Ring Road where a 50-year-old man was allegedly drunk, not wearing a mask, and shouting at passers-by. When Police officers arrived, the man was advised to wear a mask, but he purportedly disregarded Police officers’ advice and continued to behave rowdily and hurled vulgarities at the officers. The man was arrested for using abusive words against a public servant and for offences under the Liquor Control Act. The man will also be investigated for breaching the COVID-19 regulations.
- In the second incident, on 14 May 2021 at about 10.50pm, three SDEOs were patrolling at Millenia Walk when they came across patrons seated outside a restaurant. After providing advice on safe distancing measures to the patrons, they entered the restaurant to make further checks. While the SDEOs were inside the restaurant, one of the staff from the restaurant allegedly approached one of the SDEOs and snatched his SDEO pass. The staff purportedly only returned the pass after taking photographs of it. The 32-year-old man was subsequently arrested for allegedly using criminal force against a public servant.
Investigations into both cases are ongoing.
Individuals found guilty for the offence 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 for the offence of using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty, punishable under Section 353 of the Penal Code, are liable for an imprisonment term which may extend to 4 four years, a fine, or both.
Individuals who are found not to be wearing a mask, or not wearing a mask properly, outside their place of residence, may be liable for a breach under Regulation 3A 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.
Members of the public are advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously. The Police take a stern view of abusive and irresponsible behaviours relating to the flouting of safe distancing measures and offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
22 May 2021 @ 4:50 PM