Legal disclosure frameworks for lawyers to access police investigations for civil proceedings

Question:

Ms Diana Pang Li Yen: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there is any framework under which lawyers may obtain from the Police information or documents arising from investigations for use in related civil proceedings; and (b) if not, whether the Ministry will consider a framework for limited disclosure for such purposes, subject to safeguards such as redaction, confidentiality undertakings, court oversight, and protection of ongoing investigations and witnesses.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The Police may, upon application, provide information or documents arising from investigations to persons, or their legal representatives, for use in civil proceedings if the persons are directly involved in the investigations. All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) where necessary.