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SINGAPORE: A 19-year-old teenager was arrested after he was suspected of posing as a COVID-19 safe distancing control officer.
Two other men, aged 20 and 35, are assisting in the investigations, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a press release on Tuesday (November 10).
On October 17, authorities received a report of three men believed to have posed as safe distance law enforcement officers in the vicinity of the Westgate Mall.
Investigations revealed that the three men had claimed to belong to an organization called “SG United”.
The suspects were identified after ground inquiries and follow-up investigations by agents of the Clementi Police Division.
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“It was found that they were not hired by any government agency and they were not authorized to perform safe distancing enforcement tasks,” said SPF.
Investigations against the three men are ongoing.
If found guilty of cheating, the teen could be fined, jailed for up to five years, or both.
SPF reminded the public that safe distancing agents and ambassadors can identify themselves through their respective passes or the SG Clean Ambassador pass when they are performing safe distancing tasks.
Through these passes you can identify law enforcement officers and safe distance ambassadors. (Photo: Facebook / Masagos Zulkifli)
A woman with an SG Clean Ambassador pass. (Photo: Facebook / Clean and Green Singapore)
Enforcement officers can also wear a red armband, SPF said.
Law enforcement officers will receive red armbands to make them easier for the public to identify. (Photo: Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources)
The ambassadors help advise and guide companies and individuals in complying with safe distancing and safe management measures, police said.
“In addition to police officers, law enforcement officers are the only authorized persons who can take enforcement action by issuing fines comprised of safe distancing violations and safe management measures,” said SPF.
“Notices of fines will be issued to violators in hard copy, either on site or by mail. The public will never be asked to pay cash on the spot, or to provide bank account details or one-time passwords. to make the payment. “, added SPF.
Members of the public should be cautious when such requests are made by people claiming to be law enforcement officials, authorities advised.
