I REFER to the Forum Online letter by Ms Sundari Paramasivan, 'How to protect kids from molesters posing as cops?' (June 5).

All police officers are issued with a Singapore Police Force Warrant Card, which is proof or verification that the officer is a police officer. If our officers are in plain clothes, they will identify themselves by producing the warrant card. A genuine warrant card will have identification features (right) such as the police crest, the photo of the officer, his name and NRIC number.

Police officers may in the course of their work interview witnesses, or conduct searches on premises, pursuant to their powers. If a juvenile is arrested, police would inform the parents or next of kin at an opportune time after arrest. If a female needs to be searched, she can be searched only by a female police officer. When personal property needs to be seized, it will be in accordance with proper procedures and an official receipt will be issued.

DSP Paul Tay
Assistant Director, Media Relations
Public Affairs Department
Singapore Police Force

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