Witnessed A Crime? 7 Things You Must Do In Singapore

Witnessing a crime is disorienting. The instinct to avoid involvement, fear of retaliation, uncertainty about what to say, and confusion about whether you are legally required to act are all common reactions. Understanding your legal position as a witness in Singapore cuts through that confusion.

Singapore’s Criminal law imposes a duty to report arrestable offences. It also provides a framework for how witnesses are called to give evidence, what support is available to them, and what happens if they fail to cooperate.

Whether you saw a fight, witnessed a theft, stumbled across a road accident, or were present when something more serious happened, this guide sets out what you are required to do and what your rights are throughout the process.

1. Ensure Your Immediate Safety First

Before you do anything else, check your surroundings. If the situation is still active or dangerous, move to a secure location. You cannot help the authorities if you become a victim yourself. Do not try to play the hero or intervene physically if there is a risk of harm; your primary role is to be a calm observer from a safe distance.

2. Contact The Emergency Services

Once you are safe, call 999 for the Police or 995 if there are life-threatening injuries. If the matter is not an emergency, you can call the Police Hotline at 1800 255 0000 or lodge a report at the nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre. Providing a prompt report is the most effective way to ensure the perpetrators are caught and evidence is preserved.

3. Take Note Of Specific Details

Your memory can fade quickly under stress. Try to remember or write down the time, the exact location, and a description of the people involved. Look for distinguishing features like tattoos, clothing, or the direction they fled. If a vehicle was involved, try to get the licence plate number, make, and colour.

4. Record Evidence If It Is Safe To Do So

In the digital age, your smartphone is a powerful tool. If you have witnessed a crime and can safely take photos or videos, do so. This visual evidence can be vital for investigations. However, never let recording get in the way of your or others’ safety.

5. Stay At The Scene Until Help Arrives

Unless it is dangerous to stay, try to remain at the location until the officers arrive. This allows you to give an immediate account of what happened while the details are fresh. If you must leave for safety or urgent reasons, make sure to tell the Police exactly why you left and where they can find you for a follow-up statement.

6. Cooperate During The Statement-Taking Process

The Police will likely ask you to provide a written or recorded statement. Be honest and stick to the facts of what you saw, heard, or smelled. If you are unsure about a specific detail, it is better to say you do not know than to guess. This statement serves as the basis for the investigation and ensures the integrity of the legal process.

7. Prepare For Potential Court Appearances

For serious cases, the prosecution may require you to testify. You will receive a witness summons telling you when to attend the Court. If you are worried about facing the accused or feel anxious about the process, you can seek legal advice to understand your rights and the protections available to witnesses.

What You Should NEVER Do When Witnessing A Crime

While knowing what to do is important, avoiding these common mistakes is just as vital for your safety and the integrity of the legal process.

• Do Not Put Yourself In Danger: Never attempt to physically intervene or confront a suspect, especially if they appear armed or aggressive.
• Do Not Disturb The Scene: Avoid touching or moving anything at the location, as you might inadvertently destroy fingerprints or DNA evidence.
• Do Not Chase Suspects: Attempting to follow a fleeing suspect can lead you into a dangerous situation; it is better to provide the Police with the suspect’s direction of travel.
• Do Not Share Details On Social Media: Posting specific details or videos of an active investigation online can alert suspects or compromise the case in Court.
• Do Not Discuss Your Account With Other Witnesses: To ensure your testimony is independent, avoid comparing notes with others at the scene before speaking to the Police.
• Do Not Guess Or Fabricate Information: If you did not see something clearly, be honest about it; providing false information can lead to legal complications for you.

Support Available to Witnesses in Singapore

Vulnerable Witness Support Programme (VWSP)

The Vulnerable Witness Support Programme, administered through the Singapore Children’s Society and the Community Justice Centre, provides free support to vulnerable witnesses required to give evidence in court. Eligible witnesses include:

• Children under 18 years of age.
• Adults whose mental capacity is equivalent to that of a person under 18.
• Elderly persons aged 65 and above.
• Victims of violence or sexual offences who are experiencing trauma.
• Persons with a psychiatric condition affecting their ability to give evidence.

A Volunteer Support Person (VSP) is assigned to the witness. The VSP accompanies the witness to court hearings, provides emotional support before and during testimony, familiarises the witness with the courtroom environment, and assists with logistics such as travel or childcare arrangements.

Special Measures for Vulnerable Witnesses in Court

Singapore’s Evidence Act and Criminal Procedure Code provide for special measures to support the giving of evidence by vulnerable witnesses, including:

• Screens in the courtroom to prevent the witness from seeing the accused during testimony.
• Live video link evidence, allowing the witness to testify from a separate room.
• Clearing the public gallery during the witness’s testimony.
• The presence of a support person during testimony.

These measures are available on application to the court and are commonly used in cases involving child witnesses, victims of sexual offences, or witnesses who face a risk of intimidation.

How To Make A Police Report In Singapore

Reporting what you saw is a civic duty that helps keep Singapore safe. There are several ways to lodge a report depending on the urgency:

• Emergency Call: If the crime is in progress or someone is seriously injured, call 999 immediately.
• In-Person: Visit any Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) or Neighbourhood Police Post (NPP) to speak with an officer directly.
• Online via SPF E-Services: For non-emergency crimes, you can lodge a report through the Singapore Police Force (SPF) website using your Singpass.
• Police Hotline: Call 1800 255 0000 to provide information on a crime if you do not require an immediate emergency response.

How To Use i-Witness In The Police@SG App

The i-Witness portal is a convenient way to submit information, photos, or videos regarding a crime directly to the authorities. You can access it through the Police@SG mobile app or the SPF website.

• Step 1: Open the app and select the i-Witness icon.
• Step 2: Choose the category of the information you are providing (e.g., Criminal activities, traffic offences).
• Step 3: Upload any relevant media, such as photos or video clips you captured.
• Step 4: Provide a detailed description of the incident, including the date, time, and location.
• Step 5: Choose whether to remain anonymous or provide your contact details if you are willing to assist in further investigations.

What To Do When Subpoenaed To Attend Court In Singapore

If you receive a document titled a Summons to a Witness (in Criminal cases) or a subpoena (in civil cases), you have received a formal Court order. This order falls into one of three categories: requiring you to attend Court to testify, to produce specific documents, or to do both.

• Do Not Ignore It: Attendance is compulsory. In Criminal proceedings, ignoring a Summons without a valid reason can lead to a Warrant of Arrest being issued against you. In civil or family cases, the Court may find you in contempt and reject any evidence you have already submitted.
• Review the Details: Read the document carefully to identify the date, time, and location of the hearing, as well as the specific documents you are required to bring.
• Contact the Relevant Party: The document will list the lawyer or party calling you. You should contact them to understand why you are needed and to refresh your memory on the facts of the case.
• Notify Your Employer: Provide a copy of the subpoena to your employer to explain your upcoming absence. If the hearing is expected to last multiple days, inform the party that subpoenaed you so the Court can be made aware of your schedule.
• Request an Interpreter if Needed: All Court proceedings are in English. If you are uncomfortable speaking English, inform the party that called you immediately so an interpreter can be arranged in advance.

Witness Allowances: Are You Compensated?

Yes. Singapore’s CPC (Witnesses’ Allowances) Regulations 2010 provide that witnesses called to give evidence are entitled to a witness allowance. The allowance is calculated based on your income:

• The allowance per half-day attendance in court (three hours or fewer) is one-fiftieth of your monthly income.
• The minimum allowance per half-day is $25; the maximum is $350.
• A full day (more than three hours) attracts the full-day rate.
• Claims must be submitted within two months of the court attendance.

The allowance is not substantial for most witnesses, but it exists to partially offset the disruption and cost of attending court.

What To Do When Asked To Testify In Court

Giving testimony is a vital part of the justice process. Your role is to provide a truthful account to help the Court build an accurate picture of what happened.

• Arrival and Preparation: Arrive early and dress neatly. Locate your Courtroom and notify the Court clerk or solicitor of your arrival. You will typically wait in a designated witness room.
• The Oath or Affirmation: When called to the witness stand, you must take an oath (religious) or an affirmation (non-religious) to tell the truth.
• Addressing the Court: Always direct your answers to the judge and address them as “Your Honour”.
• Giving Evidence:
• Speak Clearly: Speak slowly and loudly into the microphone so the Court can record your testimony.
• Stick to the Facts: Only describe what you personally saw, heard, or did.
• Do Not Guess: If you do not know or cannot remember a detail, simply say “I do not know” or “I cannot remember”.
• Ask for Clarification: If you do not understand a question, ask for it to be repeated or explained.
• Confidentiality: Do not discuss your evidence or anything you heard in the Courtroom with other witnesses before, during, or after the proceedings.
• Claiming Expenses: In Criminal cases, you may be eligible for a witness allowance to cover lost income and transport expenses. For witnesses living in Singapore, this is typically 1/50th of your monthly earned income per half-day, with a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $350. You must submit your claim form with supporting documents (like payslips and transport receipts) within two months of the hearing.

From our practice — Jonathan Wong

“We were consulted by a man in his early fifties who had witnessed an assault outside a food centre and walked away without speaking to the police at the scene. Several weeks later he received a summons to appear as a witness. He came to us wanting to know if he could refuse. His concern was not indifference to the victim. He was afraid that his own past, an unrelated matter resolved years earlier, would surface if he became visible in court proceedings.

What he did not understand was that refusing to attend or giving false evidence carried its own Criminal consequences, and that the protections available to witnesses in Singapore are considerably stronger than he had assumed. We helped him navigate the process. The lesson I draw from two decades in the State Courts is that witnesses often fear the system more than they fear the offence, and that fear, left unaddressed, creates its own legal jeopardy.”

What Are the Penalties for Failing to Report a Crime?

Failure to report can result in significant Criminal liability depending on the circumstances:

• Intentionally preventing the course of justice: Up to seven years’ imprisonment and/or a fine.
• Being legally bound to give information but intentionally failing to do so: Up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine.
• Failing to report explosions or offences relating to unlawful arms: Up to five years’ imprisonment.

These penalties reflect the seriousness Singapore’s Criminal justice system places on civilian cooperation with law enforcement.

Conclusion About Witnessing A Crime In Singapore

Understanding what to do when witnessing a crime helps remove the mystery from the legal process and encourages everyone to play their part in keeping our community secure. By following these steps, you ensure that justice is served and that the facts are presented clearly.

If you find yourself involved in a Criminal matter or need guidance on a sensitive family issue, the team at Tembusu Law is here to support you. Tembusu Law’s experienced Criminal lawyers and Divorce lawyers in Singapore who are committed to providing you with clear, honest, and effective legal solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Witnessing A Crime In Singapore

Is It Compulsory To Report A Crime If I Saw One Happen?

In Singapore, you are legally required to report certain serious offences under the Criminal Procedure Code. This includes crimes like robbery, housebreaking, and certain violent acts. Failing to report such incidents when you have information can lead to legal consequences. It is always better to be safe and report any suspicious or illegal activity to the authorities.

Can I Remain Anonymous When Reporting A Crime?

Yes, you can provide information anonymously through the i-Witness portal on the Singapore Police Force website or by calling the Police Hotline. However, if the case goes to Court, the prosecution may need you to testify as an official witness to ensure the evidence is admissible. The Police will usually discuss the level of involvement required from you.

Is There Witness Protection In Singapore?

Yes, Singapore takes witness protection seriously. If there is a legitimate threat to your safety, the Court can implement measures such as allowing you to testify behind a screen, via video link, or ordering that your identity be kept secret.

Can I Refuse To Be A Witness In Court In Singapore?

Generally, no. If you are served with a Summons to a Witness or a subpoena, you are legally obligated to attend. Failure to attend without a valid medical or legal excuse can result in a Warrant of Arrest in Criminal cases or contempt of Court in civil cases.

Will I Have To Pay For My Own Travel Expenses To Court?

Witnesses in Criminal cases are typically eligible for a witness allowance to cover reasonable transport expenses and lost income. You must submit your claim with supporting documents, like payslips and receipts, within two months of the hearing.