MS YU Woon Chi has expressed concern about police's action in the recent case of assault ('Why wasn't attack by sailor a seizable offence?'; ST, Dec 19).

Whether an offence is seizable or not is determined by law (the Criminal Procedure Code), and not subject to a case-by-case interpretation by police. The offence of voluntarily causing hurt under Section 323 of the Penal Code is designated a non-seizable offence, because there is a wide range of behaviour which can constitute the offence with varying degrees of severity.

Where an offence is seizable, police are legally empowered to arrest without a warrant. However, even if an offence is non-seizable, police will not hesitate to take action where the facts warrant it. Police investigate all cases where there is clear harm to the public interest, particularly where vulnerable victims are involved. If there is sufficient evidence, the perpetrator can be summoned to court and prosecuted.