Our police force a bully?
It is important to know your legal rights. Our policemen it seems doesnt know or doesnt bother that there are limitations as to what they are allowed to do.
Their broad discretionary powers often tramples on our legal rights even though we are protected by the constitution.
One would expect the police to be the guardian of the people and not take advantage of the people's ignorance.
There are two scenarios in HHH's case where the police confiscated her notebook.
1. The investigation officers knew that they can't confiscate HHH's notebook but nevertheless do so as a 'show' of power or in a more appropriate description, it is tantamount to an abuse of power.
It is easy to bully someone who doesnt know his/her rights. Moreover, a petite girl like HHH is bound to invite these kinds of situations where it is easy to browbeat, And it is up to the 'strong' to protect the 'weak'. And that strong men in SPF decided to do otherwise.
2) the investigation officers dont know that they cannot retain HHH's notebook, thus they proceeded to do so.
There are no excuses to this. Officers should have the laws at their fingertips since they are doing this (interrogation) on a regular basis. They should have decent knowledge of what can be done and what cannot be done.
In the end, the police not only work for the state but also work for the people. They must protect and be fair to the common people, instead of capitalizing on our fears. If they dont know their work, then they dont deserve to be in uniforms.
In case you encounter the police in future, dont be intimidated by them. They might just be as clueless as you in terms of the laws.
Treat them with respect though. They are after all one of us, Singaporean. But you can always ask them whether they have the right to do whatever they are doing.
Osman Sulaiman
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/osman.bin.sulaiman/posts/10152627939947550