What powers do police now have under the Mental Health Act?

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Police Granted New Powers Under Mental Health Act Amendments

Amendments to Singapore's Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008 have expanded the powers of police officers, allowing them to apprehend individuals exhibiting signs of mental disorder if there is a reasonable belief that danger to the person or others is likely. These changes, passed in Parliament on April 2, also equip officers with search and restraint capabilities akin to those exercised during criminal arrests.
Apprehension Based on Reasonable Belief of Danger

Police officers can now apprehend an individual under the Mental Health Act if they hold a "reasonable belief" that the person poses a likely danger to themselves or those around them. This new provision allows for intervention in situations where mental distress may lead to imminent harm, as demonstrated in a recent incident where officers apprehended a 59-year-old man who had locked himself in his flat, fearing he might endanger himself.
Powers of Search and Restraint Introduced

In conjunction with the apprehension powers, the amendments grant police officers the authority to search and restrain individuals taken into custody under the Mental Health Act. These powers are comparable to those police possess when arresting suspects for criminal offences, facilitating a more controlled and secure process during apprehension.
Distinction Between Apprehension and Arrest Clarified

Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo highlighted the distinction between an apprehension under the Mental Health Act and a criminal arrest. An apprehension involves taking the individual to a medical practitioner to assess the potential medical causes of their behaviour. Conversely, an arrest leads to the individual being placed in a lock-up, signifying a different legal process and immediate consequence.

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What powers do police now have under the Mental Health Act?

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