The Police are aware of online posts showing police officers engaging a Chinese woman. In response to media queries, the Police would like to state that on 10 October 2023 at about 2.35am, the Police received a call for assistance regarding a verbally abusive patient at Singapore General Hospital. A 29-year-old woman who was at the Accident and Emergency Department of the hospital to seek medical treatment for her injured foot was allegedly shouting and caused annoyance to the public. She also allegedly verbally abused a nurse prior to the arrival of police officers.
At about 3.15am, two investigation officers arrived to interview the woman. They introduced themselves as investigation officers from Central Police Division at the onset and engaged the woman in the presence of the uniformed police officers. During the engagement, the woman was uncooperative and refused to provide her statement. She had also allegedly used mandarin vulgarities against one of the investigation officers. After some time into the engagement, she started recording segments of her interaction with the investigation officers. While recording, she attempted to take one of the investigation officers’ security pass. The investigation officer firmly told her not to touch her pass. As the woman was awaiting medical treatment, a decision was made by the Police to allow her to complete her treatment first and follow up with her later. The woman later allegedly uploaded the video recordings.
This was not the only time the Police had been called in against the woman. On 3 October 2023, the Police received a call for assistance from the security team of a condominium located along Marina Boulevard. The woman was allegedly intoxicated, and the security team assisted in escorting her up to her unit. The woman then allegedly pushed one of the security officers on his shoulder and pulled his tie. She also purportedly used insulting and abusive words towards the security officer. Although the woman was compliant upon Police’s arrival, the Police nonetheless investigated her for the offences committed against the security officer.
In the course of investigations, the Police have also found reason to suspect that the woman could have contravened the conditions of her work permit. The Police will refer the matter to the Ministry of Manpower.
The woman will be charged in court on 13 October 2023 for the following offences:
- Public Nuisance under Section 290 of the Penal Code 1871 punishable with a fine which may extend to $2,000;
- Two counts of Using Abusive Language against Public Service Worker or Public Servant under Section 6(3) of the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 punishable with an imprisonment term not exceeding 12 months, a fine not exceeding $5,000, or both;
- Two counts of Assaulting or Using Criminal Force on Security Officer under Section 17A of the Private Security Industry Act 2007 punishable with imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $7,500 or both; and
- Intentionally Causing Harassment under Section 17C of the Private Security Industry Act 2007 punishable with imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
The Police take a stern view of abusive behaviour against public servants and public service workers who are carrying out their public duties, and firm actions will be taken to deal with such offenders in accordance with the law.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
12 October 2023 @ 11:43 PM