Police’s Actions Relating to Safe Distancing Measures

The Government has introduced elevated safe distancing measures from 7 April to 1 June 2020 to contain the spread of COVID-19. Since 12 April 2020, those who do not comply with the measures will face a fine of $300 immediately (for a first offence).

There have been false claims on social media and text messaging platforms regarding actions by the Singapore Police Force. 

The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources deploys around 3,000 Enforcement Officers (EOs) and Safe Distancing Ambassadors (SDAs) daily to public places across Singapore to ensure members of the public observe the safe distancing measures. Police assistance is required in situations where the EOs or SDAs encounter uncooperative persons who refuse to comply with the safe distancing measures.

The Police do not proactively conduct checks at residential units or conduct road blocks to enforce safe distancing measures. However, if the Police come across anyone flouting the measures when attending to cases, the Police may take enforcement action.

The Home Team remains committed in our mission to keep Singapore safe and secure during this period, as well as to support the Whole-of-Government efforts to manage the COVID-19 situation.

We urge everyone to observe safe distancing measures and refrain from spreading false claims.

Read the clarifications regarding the allegations:

• Clarification (17 April 2020): Police Officer Rendering Assistance to GrabFood Deliveryman

• Video (16 April 2020): Stop Spreading False Rumours on Police’s Actions

• Clarification (14 April 2020): Man Arrested for Public Drunkenness

• Clarification (14 April 2020): Police Do Not Conduct Checks at Residential Units to Enforce Elevated Safe Distancing Measures

• Clarification (14 April 2020): Man Arrested for Failure to Return to a Welfare Home, Not for Flouting Safe Distancing Measures

• Clarification (13 April 2020): Police Do Not Conduct Road Blocks to Enforce Elevated Safe Distancing Measures 

Read more about how the Home Team supports COVID-19 operations:

• One Home Team: Responding to COVID-19 (Part 1)

• One Home Team: Responding to COVID-19 (Part 2)

• One Home Team: Responding to COVID-19 (Part 3)

How do TransCom Officers Decide Who to Approach for Spot-checks?

Public Transport Security Command (TransCom) officers have to be impartial in their checks, and are trained to carry them out professionally.

Such checks are necessary to ensure that our public transport system remains crime-free, and to deter would-be-criminals from committing criminal offences and terrorist acts.

Did you know that in 2018 alone, TransCom officers made over 720 arrests as a result of spot-checks? The majority of those arrested were for serious offences such as possession of dangerous weapons and drugs, as well as having a warrant of arrest against them. So it is actually effective!

Checks by TransCom officers help ensure the safety and security of commuters. We hope the public can understand and appreciate the need for such checks and cooperate with officers as they carry out their duties.

• Hear from TransCom officers on their duties: On Patrol with Our TransCom Officers

• Learn more about TransCom

• Help keep our public transport network safe! Join TransCom’s Riders-On-Watch Programme by using the Ask Jamie virtual assistant on the Singapore Police Force website

Published on 11 July 2019