Deter Taking of Voyeuristic Photos or Videos with Hidden Cameras
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Christopher de Souza’s inquiry regarding deterrents against hidden camera voyeurism and trends in related police investigations and prosecutions. Minister K Shanmugam noted that investigated cases rose from 150 in 2013 to 230 in 2017, with about a quarter resulting in court prosecution. He stated that the Penal Code Review Committee has recommended new offences and increasing maximum penalties to two years’ imprisonment and caning. The Government is currently reviewing public feedback on these recommendations, which include enhanced penalties for cases involving victims under 14. Currently, offenders face up to one year of imprisonment, and the Minister encouraged victims to report incidents promptly to assist in apprehension.
Transcript
46 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is being done to deter the taking of voyeuristic photos or videos involving hidden cameras; and (b) whether there has been an increase in the number of police investigations and prosecutions related to this offence.
Mr K Shanmugam: We encourage victims of voyeurism to make a Police report as soon as possible. It gives us a better chance of apprehending the culprit. Under our current laws, those found guilty of taking voyeuristic photos or videos are liable to imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine, or both.
The Penal Code Review Committee (PCRC) has made recommendations to strengthen deterrence against voyeurism. It has recommended introducing new offences relating to the making, distribution, possession, and accessing of voyeuristic recordings. The PCRC has also recommended that offenders who make such recordings be liable to imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine, or both, and caning. The penalty will be enhanced if the victim is below 14 years of age.
The Government has just completed its public consultation on the PCRC's recommendations, and will take the public feedback into consideration when making our decisions.
The number of voyeurism cases involving hidden cameras investigated by the Police has increased in the last few years. This is partly because more people are willing to step forward to report the cases. Between 2013 and 2017, the number increased from about 150 to about 230 per year. About a quarter of these cases resulted in court prosecution.