SCDF GUIDELINES FOR ACCESS OF PREMISES

Mr Tay Beng Chuan asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has given proper guidelines for its officers to gain access into industrial and commercial premises to perform their official duties; and (b) what safeguards are provided to prevent abuse of power by these officers or unauthorized entry by persons claiming to be SCDF officers.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has issued clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to its enforcement units on the procedures to follow for gaining entry into industrial and commercial premises to carry out their official duties.

Under the SOPs, officers are not allowed to conduct inspections alone. Inspections have to be carried out by a team of not less than 2 persons. When conducting inspections, all SCDF officers, including civilians, are required to produce their Warrant Cards, without demand, when seeking entry into premises. Where the SCDF officers fail to produce such identification, the owner/occupier may refuse them entry into the premises. If there is suspicion of unauthorized entry by persons claiming to be SCDF officers, the owner/occupier of the premises can call the SCDF to verify the identity of the persons.

All SCDF officers are briefed on their powers to enter into premises for official purposes under the Fire Safety Act, and the seriousness of abusing such powers.