NCJ Number
103247
Date Published
1985
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper describes how Singapore has dealt with crime since its independence in 1965, particularly drug abuse, and reviews police and corrections practices.
Abstract
Singapore, a city state of approximately 2.7 million people, was confronted with internal subversion, gang warfare, revenge killings, extortion, and widespread graft at the time of its independence. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the population has been charged with creating a hard-working, productive, moral society which will attract trade and tourists. Consequently, residents of Singapore have a sense of personal responsibility for their city's quality of life. All young men and women are drafted into national service. They may choose to serve in the army or the police. This has produced a large police force that has a pervasive presence in the country. The police are organized into community teams patterned after the Japanese police. Police have targeted drug abuse and mounted a citywide sweep to arrest known and suspected drug addicts. Individuals whose lab tests urine revealed drugs were detained for rehabilitation, and those released from treatment centers are regularly monitored to ensure drug abstinence. Emphasis is on reducing the demand for drugs, and traffickers are subjected to harsh penalties, including capital punishment. Corrections emphasizes offender participation in industries and work that can be continued after release.