Changes in Protocol for SPF, SCDF and IMH Following Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide in Singapore
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the updated protocols for agencies like the SPF, SCDF, and IMH following the decriminalisation of attempted suicide on 1 January 2020. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam clarified that while SPF no longer records such acts as offences, the Government continues to track known cases. Regarding community involvement, the Minister deemed tapping on SGSecure responders unsuitable due to the complexity of suicide cases, advising the public to rely on SPF and SCDF. He further explained that specialised emergency response models are not currently feasible as SPF and SCDF officers, including specialized units like DART and the Crisis Negotiation Unit, are already trained to handle these incidents. Distressed individuals can also access the Institute of Mental Health’s 24-hour helpline for support.
Transcript
3 Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what are the changes in protocol for SPF, SCDF, IMH and other agencies respectively given the decriminalisation of suicide from 1 January 2020; (b) whether the Ministry will consider including suicide first-aiders as part of the SGSecure Responder effort in the SGSecure application, similar to how first-aiders are tapped on to respond to individuals with physical health emergencies; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider piloting an emergency response model that adopts a specialised mental health ambulance or emergency response team.
Mr K Shanmugam: As attempted suicide is no longer a crime, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) will no longer record it as an offence. However, the Government will continue to track data on attempted suicide that are made known to us.
The Member suggested tapping on first-aiders to help in cases of attempted suicide. SGSecure Responder is an initiative to alert community responders to fire and cardiac arrest cases. It is much more challenging for community responders to intervene in attempted suicide cases due to their complexity. Members of the public should continue to call the Police or the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
The Member also suggested specialised emergency response for suicide cases. That may not be feasible. We have SPF and SCDF officers who are trained to intervene in suicide attempts, and they will be mobilised when such cases are reported. The SPF's Crisis Negotiation Unit will also help where necessary. The SCDF's Disaster Assistance and Rescue Teams (DART) are specially trained for complex rescue operations, including cases of attempted suicide at height and in confined spaces. There are also helplines, such as the Institute of Mental Health's (IMH) 24-hour Mental Health Helpline, that distressed persons can call.