Ng Chee Meng: Not a practice to allow teachers in police car with a student
It is not the practice of the police to allow teachers and school staff to accompany a student in the police car, when the student’s presence is requested at the police station, said Acting Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng.
Ng noted that current police protocols also do not allow other persons to be present when the student is being questioned at the police station.
Speaking in Parliament on Tues (1 March), Ng addressed concerns expressed by members of the public regarding the death of 14-year-old Benjamin Lim. The North View Secondary School student had been questioned by police on 26 January, following an allegation of outrage of modesty.
Benjamin was found dead at the foot of his block of flats on the afternoon of the same day.
Questions on the case were tabled by eight Members of Parliament, including Non-Constituency MP Dennis Tan and Jurong GRC MP Ang Wei Neng. Both MPs wanted to know what procedures are being followed when students are asked to assist the police in their investigations, and how the welfare of the students is ensured.
Ng noted that each year, secondary schools in Singapore deal with an average of 1,350 arrest cases involving students. These involve offences ranging from theft to sexual offences to endangerment to life.
In these cases, the interest and well-being of students are a “key priority,” stressed Ng. For example, school leaders will ascertain a student’s physical and emotional well-being before letting the police speak to a student. They will also request to be present if an initial interview is conducted at the school.
However, Ng noted, “Some members of the public have suggested that the schools’ duty of care extends to shielding students from the police, and not releasing them to the police without their parents’ consent. This sounds plausible, but it is not so straightforward.”
Noting that schools are obligated to cooperate with police investigations, Ng said that it is the prerogative of the police to decide where an interview with a student suspected of committing an offence takes place.
In the case of Benjamin Lim, he was quietly brought to the principal’s office when police officers requested to speak with him. The principal and other staff were present when the officer spoke to him.
Benjamin was told to call his mother at the end of the meeting in the school, while the principal ensured that she knew he was being taken to the police station.
The school counselor was also instructed to contact Benjamin’s mother on the same day, to check on his well-being. Given that Benjamin was scheduled to attend a three-day school camp from 27 January, the counselor and the mother agreed that it would be better for him to stay at home instead.
Upon learning of Benjamin’s death, school leaders and staff were “shocked and distraught”, said the Minister.
“Just as Benjamin’s passing is mourned by his family, the school community and many others are also mourning.
Teachers and counselors will continue to provide support to Benjamin’s classmates and friends,” said Ng.
“Whilst I know that nothing I say today will bring Benjamin back, it is of utmost importance that we all learn from this tragedy.”
The Minister concluded by saying that the Education Ministry is also participating in the police review of the matter.
