Commentary: Expanded police powers don’t have to mean ‘three steps forward, two steps back’ for mental health in Singapore

Commentary: Expanded police powers don’t have to mean ‘three steps forward, two steps back’ for mental health in SingaporeCommentary: Expanded police powers don’t have to mean ‘three steps forward, two steps back’ for mental health in Singapore

Consider this scenario: A young, visibly disoriented person is shouting angrily at an invisible threat, pacing outside a crowded coffeeshop. They pose no immediate physical threat but onlookers are frightened. Under what circumstances should the police intervene and how could they ensure both the safety of the person and the public?

The expanded powers would allow police officers to take someone into custody before any actual harm is caused if the danger is “reasonably likely to occur” and need not be “imminent”. Someone with panic disorder could suddenly experience a severe panic attack in public, characterised by shouting and erratic behaviour. An officer trained in active listening and de-escalation skills could engage with greater care to use non-threatening body language and a gentle tone. Acknowledging their distress and offering support can help guide the person towards the necessary help more safely.

In Singapore, the Institute of Mental Health introduced the crisis response team in 2021 as form of collaborative response. It is designed to offer real-time support to police officers, who can call a dedicated hotline to consult mental health professionals, and psychiatric nurses can then be deployed to crisis scenes if needed.

The persistence of such an approach could potentially lead to an increase in unnecessary conveyance to IMH for those exhibiting behaviours that are merely different, not dangerous, which risks exacerbating the mental health stigma and placing additional strain on our limited mental healthcare resources.The new Bill has elicited concerns about potential setbacks, with some suggesting that it represents a step back for mental health advocacy.

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