The Police have observed an increase in the number of abuse cases against Enforcement Officers (EOs) and SG Clean and Safe Distancing Ambassadors since the implementation of Elevated Safe Distancing Measures (ESDM) to contain the spread of COVID-19. We will not tolerate this, and will take offenders to task.
As of 16 April 2020, the Police have received 12 reports where members of the public have physically or verbally abused EOs and Ambassadors.
- On 14 April 2020, a 35-year-old man and his 33-year-old female companion hurled vulgarities at three 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 April 2020, a 72-year-old man slapped the EO who had requested for his particulars after observing that he was consuming food at a hawker centre located at Blk 89 Circuit Road.
- On 15 April 2020, a 40-year-old man head-butted the EO who had advised him to stop playing basketball at the cordoned-off Khatib Multi-Purpose Hall.
- On 15 April 2020, a 79-year-old man punched the EO who had advised him to wear his face mask properly along Havelock Road.
- On 16 April 2020, a 37-year-old man insulted the Police officer who was issuing a Notice of Composition to his female friend for not wearing a face mask while outside The Cathay.
- a 40-year-old man headbutted an enforcement officer at a basketball court located in Khatib. The 40-year-old was told to stop playing after he was told to stop playing basketball at a cordoned-off multi-purpose hall in Khatib.
Police investigations are ongoing against offenders.
Those found guilty of using abusive language against a public servant are liable on conviction to an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
The offence of voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty is punishable with an imprisonment term of up to seven years, a fine, or caning.