COMPLAINTS OF POLICE BRUTALITY

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the number of persons who, to the knowledge of the police, have complained of police brutality since 1st June, 1959; and (b) whether he would consider making arrangements that, in cases of such complaints, the complainants should be given an early opportunity to identify the alleged assailants and to make a note of their names and ranks.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, there have been 268 cases of complaints of assault by police officers since 1st June, 1959. Of this number, the vast majority, that is, a total of 205 cases, were completely unsubstantiated. They include cases where complaints were investigated and found to be completely false and malicious, and cases which were subsequently withdrawn by the complainants. Of the other 63 cases, 34 cases resulted in appropriate disciplinary action taken against the officers concerned. In seven of the cases, the officers found guilty were dismissed or discharged from the Force. Nine cases resulted in court summonses issued against the officers concerned. In three cases the summonses were subsequently withdrawn, and in three cases the officers charged were acquitted by the court. The balance of 20 cases are still under investigation.

With regard to the second part of the question, it has been the practice for the police to afford complainants every opportunity of identifying their alleged assailants in all cases where the cornplainants have stated that they either could or might be able to identify them. Where any police officer has been so identified, there is no objection to his name and rank being supplied to the complainants concerned for the purpose of instituting court action where required.

Mr David Marshall: Do I understand the Minister to give us an assurance that, in fact, at every such identification parade the name of the officer identified will be given to the complainant?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Yes, it will be supplied.

Mr David Marshall: Would the Minister consider whether it is appropriate for complaints against police officers to be investigated by some separate body rather than by the police themselves?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, that is a question which I have been toying for the last two and a half years. In view of the fact that the police is a disciplined force, professional advice is that it is most unwise to do so.