QUESTIONING OF MINORS BY POLICE (Procedures)

The following Question stood in the name of Dr Kanwaljit Soin

Dr Kanwaljit Soin: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether there is any specific protocol or procedure followed by the police in the questioning of minors, especially those who are mentally abnormal.

Dr Lee Tsao Yuan (Nominated Member): Question No. 4, Sir.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs (Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Police follow strict procedures when dealing with minors, ie, those who are 16 years and below, who are arrested. While the law allows the Police to detain persons of all ages for up to 48 hours, procedurally, officers are directed not to detain minors for more than four hours unless there are extenuating circumstances to justify longer detention. In such instances, clearance from supervisors of at least the Chief Investigating Officer level who is a police officer of inspector rank or above would have to be sought.

Sir, police also exercise great care when interviewing minors. Officers will assess if a minor is able to communicate properly and understand the questions being asked. Depending on the nature of the case and the mental state of the minor, his parents or relatives may be invited to be present during the interview if the police deem that they could help in the interview. For a minor who is mentally abnormal, specialists in the training of such children may also be called in to assist in the interview.