Police Investigation

What Is Investigation?

Investigation is the process of inquiry that helps Police to uncover what happened in a crime. The Police conduct investigations to find out the truth behind an allegation and whether there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed.

When Does Police Start Investigations?

Investigations will commence when the Police receive information of a criminal offence. The Police may also commence investigations when directed by a Magistrate, upon examining a complaint lodged by an aggrieved party at the Crime Registry of the Subordinate Courts. For more information on Magistrate's Complaints, you can visit the Subordinate Courts at No. 1 Havelock Square, Singapore 059724 or contact 1800-6435 5881/ 4355 for enquiries.

What Kind Of Cases Does The Police Investigate?

The Police are empowered to investigate a range of offences under the law. Some of the more common offences investigated by the Police include those in the Penal Code, Arms Offences Act, Computer Misuse Act, Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, Betting Act and Common Gaming Houses Act.

What Happens During Investigations?

During investigations, the Police may conduct interviews to obtain details of the case. What is told by the witness to the Police during the interview may be recorded in a Police statement.

What Is Recorded In A Police Statement?

The statement would comprise of details of the crime or incident such as when and where it happened, the sequence of events, details of the suspects or offenders such as their identities, information on their whereabouts or contact numbers, and other facts which may be helpful and relevant to the case. If the witness does not speak or understand English, he should request for the statement to be given in the language of his/her choice.

After the statement has been recorded, the person interviewed would be required to sign it. Before he/she signs the statement, he/she should go through it to ensure that its contents are true and correct, and make any amendments, additions or deletions if he/she so wishes. Similarly, if the person does not speak or understand English, he/she should request for the statement to be interpreted to him/her in the language of his/her choice.

What Happens If The Person Refuses To Sign The Statement?

If a person refuses to sign his/her statement, he/she may be charged with an offence for which he/she may be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to 3 months or a fine of up to $500 or both.

Where Can A Statement Be Recorded?

A statement is usually recorded in a Police establishment such as a Police station, NPC or NPP. However, the Police may also record statements at the scene of crime or in some cases, at a place convenient to the person who is being interviewed.

What If A Person Refuses To Be Interviewed?

If a person fails to attend an interview as required by the Police, the Magistrate may be notified for a warrant to be issued against his/her to secure his/her attendance.

What Happens After Police Completes Its Investigation?

If Police finds sufficient evidence of a criminal offence, Police will charge the suspect in court. If the evidence does not reveal an offence, Police will close the investigation. Police will write to inform the victim of the crime or the complainant of the outcome of the investigations.

Who Can Be Called Up For Investigations?

Anyone whom the Police believe has knowledge of the facts of the case may be called up for investigations. The length of the interview with the Police would depend on the nature of the case and how much information the Police require from the person being interviewed.

How Soon Will The Person Know That The Investigations Are Completed?

This depends on the nature of the case and its consequences. For instance, if there are several suspects involved or there is a series of crimes committed, the investigations may take a longer time to complete. Again, the Police will keep the person informed in writing of the outcome of the investigations.