CRIMES (Equipment to combat)

Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education (a) whether it is proposed to acquire new and modern scientific equipment to better equip the Police to combat criminals who use new techniques and equipment; and (bi what new equipment are being purchased during the current financial year.

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Sir, the Hon. Member for Anson had asked similar questions during the Budget Debate in March this year. I had then informed the House that there was a Committee comprising senior officers to constantly review police equipment and keep them updated.

This Committee has recently completed a review and has recommended the purchase of a range of police equipment at a cost of $770,000 to enhance the effectiveness of the Police Force in combating crime for the present as well as for the future. The proposal is now under consideration in the Ministry of Finance.

Among the equipment proposed to be purchased are communication equipment for the Marine Police and Police Reserve Units, improved-quality gas masks and head-gear, walkie-talkies for the commanders of the Police Reserve Unit troops and new anti-riot gas equipment. Every regular police officer is also being equipped with better and more effective handguns, after having undergone training in "combat style" shooting.

I had also earlier reported that a Scene of Crime Unit was established in 1975 to undertake specialised investigation at the scenes of serious crimes. This Unit will apply forensic science for more effective investigation and detection of criminals. A proposal to purchase scientific equipment, including a van equipped for collection and analysis of evidence at the scene of crime, is now under consideration in the Ministry of Finance. The estimated cost of the equipment and the van is $70,000.

The Police Force is also looking into the feasibility of using computers at the Computer Service Department for police work to detect and combat crime on a 24-hour basis. The new computer recently installed at the Computer Service Department is capable of providing on-line retrieval and real-time processing. Initially, the Police Emergency (999) calls, criminal records and crime statistics will be computerised on real-time basis if the feasibility study undertaken jointly by the Police and the Computer Service Department finds the cost justifies it.

Mr P. Govindaswamy (Anson): Sir, when will the new equipment be ready?

Mr Chua Sian Chin: As I have stated, the proposals are now under consideration by the Ministry of Finance, and as soon as approval is given they will be purchased.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, when will the new equipment be ready for use? I want to know the date.

Mr Chua Sian Chin: It involves two Ministries, and therefore I am not in a position at the moment to give him a date. But I can say this: as soon as the proposals have been agreed upon.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Another year!