The Police are investigating four men, aged between 24 to 61, in four separate incidents for alleged abusive behaviour against Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers (“SDEO”) from the National Environment Agency (“NEA”), while they were enforcing safe distancing measures.
Preliminary investigations revealed the following:
- For the first incident, on 15 September 2021, Police received a call for assistance on a commotion at Teck Ghee Market and Food Centre. An SDEO had observed a dispute between a group of three men and a couple. The SDEO intervened and advised all parties to cease their dispute and informed the three men, comprising of a 24-year-old man and his two friends, that they should not be dining in a group of three. Instead of complying, the man purportedly reacted aggressively and began hurling vulgarities at the SDEO. He also allegedly flung a bowl of noodles towards the SDEO, causing the SDEO’s clothes to be stained. The SDEO did not sustain any injuries. The 24-year-old man was arrested for using criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of duty and for using abusive words against a public servant. The man and his two friends are being investigated for non-compliance with safe distancing measures as well.
- For the second incident, on 1 October 2021, Police received a call for assistance from an SDEO, informing that a 30-year-old man had behaved aggressively against his partner while they were performing enforcement duties at Golden Mile Food Centre. The SDEO had observed one of the man’s friends moving across three distinct tables which were occupied, and had advised him against doing so. The man’s friend allegedly did not comply with the advice and continued to move across tables, which led to the SDEO requesting for his details so that enforcement action could be taken. At this point, the 30-year-old man intervened to defend his friend and allegedly hurled vulgarities at the SDEO. The 30-year-old man is presently assisting with investigations for using abusive words against a public servant. The friend of the said 30-year-old man is being investigated for non-compliance with safe distancing measures.
- For the third incident, on 2 October 2021, Police received a call for assistance from an SDEO, informing that a 61-year-old man had threatened him with a beer bottle while he was performing his duties at Sims Vista Market and Food Centre. The SDEO had observed the man’s mask to be worn below his nose and had advised him to pull-up his mask. The man purportedly ignored the SDEO’s advice and walked away. The SDEO approached the man again to offer the same advice, but the man allegedly reacted aggressively by hurling vulgarities at the SDEO and picked-up a beer bottle and pointed it at the SDEO. The 61-year-old man was arrested for public nuisance and will be investigated for using abusive words against a public servant and for non-compliance with safe distancing measures.
- For the fourth incident, on 23 October 2021, Police received a call for assistance from an SDEO, informing that a 53-year-old man had assaulted two SDEOs while they were performing their duties at Redhill Food Centre. The SDEOs had observed the man to be dining in with three others, and thus advised them to be seated separately. The group complied. The SDEOs then conducted further checks on their vaccination status and discovered that the man was unvaccinated. The man was advised to leave the Food Centre as he was not permitted to dine-in. Instead of complying, the man purportedly reacted aggressively by punching an SDEO in his face before turning to another SDEO and proceeding to punch the other SDEO on his neck. The 53-year-old man was arrested for voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty. The man and his three friends are being investigated for non-compliance with safe distancing measures as well.
Police investigations into all the above cases are ongoing.
Individuals found guilty of 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 a fine, an imprisonment term which may extend to four years, or both.
Individuals found guilty of the offence of using abusive words against a public servant or public service worker, 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 the offence of committing an act of public nuisance, punishable under Section 290 of the Penal Code, are liable for a fine which may extend to S$2,000, an imprisonment term which may extend to three months, or both.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
02 November 2021 @ 12:50 PM