Orient - The Official Magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore - Issue 67 July 2018 - Page 22 A MESSAGE FROM THE British High Commission: Singapore Local Laws and Customs: Preventing Drunk and disorderly conduct If waking up in a police cell after a big night out in Singapore seems like a funny story, think again.
When Paul woke up in Tanglin Police Station and remembered what had happened the night before with the taxi driver, it wasn’t just the hangover that made him feel anxious. By the time Paul left the police station later that day, he understood he was under investigation for ‘voluntarily causing hurt’ to a taxi driver. He was bailed and his passport taken from him.
Paul had to wait weeks for the investigation to be completed by the police and reviewed by the Attorney Generals Chambers before he was charged. Once charged, it was another seven months before Paul pleaded guilty in court. He was sentenced to four weeks in Changi Prison and his name and photograph were in the media. At the end of the sentence, his employment pass was cancelled and he was deported from Singapore with a travel ban in place.
In 2017, the British High Commission Singapore Consular Section saw a marked rise in arrest cases of British nationals relating to drunk and disorderly behavior. Those arrested were exclusively male, both long term residents and tourists, aged from their late twenties to mid-forties and in managerial roles. Cases involved punching taxi drivers, swearing and physical violence towards police officers, fighting with bouncers and non-consensual touching, amongst others. Most incidents happened after large quantities of alcohol were consumed.
This year, the Consular Section is committed to reducing the number of such incidents in the British community in Singapore. What makes this such an important issue for British nationals is how the far-reaching consequences, arrest and subsequent conviction can impact their future in Singapore. There is a targeted social media campaign and close collaboration with British community groups such as the British Chamber of Commerce to share that a drunken night in Singapore can lead to devastating consequences for careers, families and finances.
The most common statement by men who are arrested and charged for drunk and disorderly conduct is “this would never have happened to me if I was in the UK”. Whether this is true or not, the fact of the matter is that the incident took place in Singapore, where drunk and disorderly conduct is a serious crime. The British High Commission cannot interfere with the Singapore legal system and get charges dropped. However, they can provide information on the legal process and encourage people to obtain