The Ministry of Education (MOE) responding to media queries about the case of the 14 year-old boy who committed suicide after police investigations said today that schools in Singapore are obligated to cooperate with the police.
Schools will try to ensure the well-being of their students in assisting the police with their investigations, but will “not stand in the way of law”, said MOE. There is also a a set of guidelines “which corresponds to the police’s guidelines on working with minors” the Ministry’s spokesperson said.
“This includes ascertaining the identities of the police officers who approach our schools,” MOE said. It explained that the school would speak to its student before the police speaks with him or her.
“The student’s parent or appointed guardian is also contacted before the student leaves with the police to assist in investigations. We will also ensure that our student is not hungry and has something to eat before leaving with the police,” MOE said.
Underpinning these guidelines is MOE’s belief that regardless of the trouble students may be in with the law, schools have a duty of care to its students, said the spokesperson.
“While the student is assisting in police investigations, the school will continue to keep in contact with the student and the parent/guardian to render the necessary support,” MOE said, adding that will keep the student’s identity and the nature of the case strictly confidential to protect the student’s privacy and dignity.
