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Police are investigating three men for allegedly hurling vulgarities against Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers (SDEOs) from the National Environment Agency (NEA) who were assisting to enforce compliance to safe distancing measures.

According to an Aug. 11 police news release, the men were involved in three separate incidents.

36-year-old at Newton Food Centre

According to preliminary investigations, the incident involving the 36-year-old man occurred on Jul. 18 at Newton Food Centre.

Police received a call for assistance from an SDEO who said that while performing her duties, she had approached the man and his three friends to advise them to cease drinking as it was past 10:30pm.

The man, however, did not comply with her advice and instead allegedly began hurling vulgarities at her.

Police said that the 36-year-old is currently assisting with investigations for using abusive words against a public servant and for possible breaches of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act.

41-year-old at Newton Food Centre

The same day, the police received a call for assistance from an SDEO who was also performing his duties at Newton Food Centre.

The SDEO said that he had approached a 41-year-old man and his five friends to advise them to disperse, as their group allegedly exceeded the permitted group size cap for social gatherings.

However, instead of complying with the SDEO's advice, the man hurled vulgarities at the SDEO.

The 41-year-old man is currently assisting with investigations for using abusive words against a public servant. The man and his five friends are also being investigated for breaching safe distancing measures.

58-year-old at Haig Road Market and Food Centre

On Jul. 21, police received a call for assistance from an SDEO saying that he had approached a 58-year-old man and advised him to cease drinking his beer, to put on his mask, and leave the premises of the Food Centre, as it was closed for deep cleaning.

The man allegedly did not comply with the SDEO's advice and hurled vulgarities at him.

The 58-year-old man is currently assisting with investigations for using abusive words against a public servant.

Possible fine of up to S$5,000, prison term of up to 12 months, or both

If found guilty for the offence of using abusive words against public servants, the men could face a fine of up to S$5,000, a prison term of no more than 12 months, or both.

Those found guilty of breaching the regulations under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 could face a fine of up to S$10,000, a imprisonment term of no more than six months, or both.

"The Police take a serious view of abusive acts against enforcement officers, and offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Members of the public are advised to take safe distancing measures seriously," police said.

Top photo via Wikimedia Commons and Google Maps / Daryle Dale De Silva. 

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