Safeguarding Interests of Young and Vulnerable Persons during Police Investigations

4 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Home Affairs what measures are taken by the Police during the investigation and law enforcement process to safeguard the interests of children and vulnerable young persons who are suspected or accused of committing an offence.

5 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he can provide an update on the review of the procedure to allow an appropriate adult to be present when a young person is interviewed by the Police and whether more protection can be accorded to young persons during investigations.

6 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how does the Police keep parents or guardians of minors informed regarding interviews, investigation, arrest or custody of their minors; (b) how does the Police ensure that minors who are arrested or subject to Police interviews are made aware of their legal rights and have adequate and timely legal representation; (c) how do the Ministry and Police monitor and ensure compliance with the law, protocols and processes; and (d) whether interviews of minors are recorded on video as part of the pilot scheme to video-record Police interviews of accused persons and, if not, why not, and when will video recording be extended to minors.

7 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry could have timeously addressed the extensive speculation on social media surrounding the case of the 14-year-old boy who was found dead after being interviewed by the Police; and (b) whether there will be a thorough review of Police procedures on the interview of vulnerable suspects.

8 Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there are standard procedures for interviewing and investigating young persons who are suspected or accused of committing an offence and, if so, what is the age guideline and the standard procedures in place; and (b) whether there are standard procedures to keep the parents or guardians of these young persons informed of the legal process.

9 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Home Affairs what is the reason for the delay in the Ministry's response to speculation made on social media about the Police's conduct in the case of a 14-year-old boy who had died after having been questioned by the Police.

The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Mr Desmond Lee) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Mdm Speaker, may I have your permission for the Minister for Home Affairs to take Question Nos 4 to 9 in the Ministerial Statement later?

Mdm Speaker: I give my permission. Mr Dennis Tan.

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong (Non-Constituency Member): May I ask that the question be addressed in the Ministerial Statement later?

Mdm Speaker: The Senior Minister of State has asked for Question Nos 4 to 9 to be taken together and for the questions to be replied in the Ministerial Statement. I have given my permission. So, can you please move Question No 10 standing in your name?

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: Yes, Mdm Speaker. I apologise. Madam, can I ask for Question No 10 to be answered?

Mdm Speaker: Yes, please.