ARREST WARRANT

Mdm Claire Chiang See Ngoh asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in the event of a police officer appearing in a house with an arrest warrant for the parents, what is the management guideline that has to be observed when the children of the offenders are minors and alone without any relatives to look after their welfare.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: When Police officers need to arrest a person, they will explore all available options for the immediate care of the person's children who are minors. If there is a responsible person* present, he/she will be given temporary custody of the children. If there is no such person present, Police officers will allow the offender to contact the spouse, next-of-kin or friend to look after the children. Alternatively, the offender would be asked to consider asking his/her neighbour to help take care of the children while waiting for the spouse, next-of-kin or friend to arrive. * An adult or older child assessed to be sufficiently mature. This judgement will be exercised by an officer.