Investigation processes for outrage of modesty cases

Question:

Ms Diana Pang Li Yen: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there are benchmarks for investigation timelines in outrage of modesty cases; (b) what safeguards ensure evidence such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage is secured before deletion in such cases; and (c) what channels are available for victims to obtain progress updates and escalate concerns about investigative delays.

Answer:

Ms Sim Ann, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The Police have internal controls in place to ensure that cases under police investigation, including outrage of modesty cases are followed up promptly and thoroughly. SPF does not have fixed investigative timelines, as the investigations required for each case depend on the facts and complexity of the case. There are many factors that can affect the length of an investigation of an outrage of modesty case – such as the number of witnesses involved or the need to secure and process the different types of evidence. It is important that Investigation Officers (IO) undertake robust investigation to establish the facts in every case.

2. The IO will provide the victim with periodic updates throughout the course of investigation. Victims who require further information on their case may contact the IO via email or phone, or though the Investigation Branch Call Centre (IBCC).

3. The Police will take prompt steps to secure CCTV footage and other evidence as part of the investigation process. Under the Criminal Procedure Code, the Police may issue a written order requiring a person in possession of such footage to produce it by a stipulated date and time. Failure to comply with the order is an offence. As with all Police investigations, timely reporting of offences is critical to enable the Police to secure the relevant evidence.