Edward Chia on Law Enforcement and Other Matters Bill

With proposed changes granting additional authority to police officers handling mental health-related incidents, MP Edward Chia called for measures to effectively support both the individuals in crisis and those who serve on the front lines. On the people who are apprehended, he asked for clarity on the procedures in place for their rehabilitation and treatment. Training officers in active listening and de-escalation techniques will also enable them to interact with individuals experiencing mental health crises more empathetically, he said. This will require more collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals. He asked if Neighbourhood Police Centres are working with community mental health outreach teams known as CREST. Mr Chia also noted that the first responders to incidents are often frontline officers, including younger full-time NSmen. He asked what more can be done to ensure their own mental health is taken care of, as such situations can take a significant emotional toll. He spoke in Parliament on Tuesday (Apr 2).