Singapore: A slew of measures will be introduced to
help at-risk youths stay away from crime and
gangs.
The comprehensive set of measures addresses youths
at different stages of their involvement with
gangs.
The initiatives were announced today by Minister of
State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Masagos Zulkifli at a
security conference.
Mr Masagos is also the head of the working group on recommendations
to deal with youth gangs.
Among the measures, a move to enhance "streetwise programme", a
voluntary programme for youths associated with, or who are members
of secret societies and gangs.
The programme will be enhanced to be a pre-court diversionary
programme for youths who are arrested for gang membership or
gang-related offences such as rioting.
This means that youths who complete the programme successfully
could be let off with a warning in lieu of court prosecution.
The enhanced programme will include additional conditions such as
physical reporting to police and close monitoring of attendance at
school or work.
Anti-gang programmes in correctional institutes will also be
improved.
The Singapore Boys Home regime will also be enhanced through the
implementation of a standardised orientation programme for new
residents upon admission.
A period of community supervision on youths who are assessed to be
more likely to join gangs upon their release will also be
imposed.
The working group also recommended enhancing existing anti-gang
legislation.
Persons who recruit youths to join gangs will also face stiffer
penalties.
Police and the court could also be given a greater range of powers
to deal with youth gangs, including directing premise owners to
take reasonable steps to prevent gang activities from taking place
within his premises.
As part of structural measures, police will also be forming a youth
offenders unit to formulate protocols on dealing with youth
offenders and to build capacity to deal with youths and youth
crime.
Recognising the importance families play in the lives of young
offenders, the authorities will involve parents in the various
intervention programmes for youths.
The working group recommendations will be implemented next
year.
- CNA/sf