Right to Know Grounds of Arrest in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If you are arrested, the police must inform you of the grounds of arrest as soon as reasonably practicable:
- Article 9(3) of the Constitution guarantees that every arrested person shall be informed "as soon as may be" of the grounds of arrest.
- Under CPC s68, a police officer making an arrest must inform the person of the offence for which they are being arrested (unless the person is caught in the act of committing the offence).
- The officer must actually touch or confine the person unless they submit to custody by word or action.
- Arrest without warrant is permitted for seizable (more serious) offences. For non-seizable offences, a warrant is generally required.
When does it apply?
- You are being arrested by a police officer or any law enforcement officer with the power of arrest (e.g., CNB, CPIB, ICA).
- This right applies regardless of citizenship — citizens, PRs, and foreigners all have this constitutional protection while in Singapore.
What to Do If You Are Arrested Without Being Told the Reason in Singapore
- Stay calm and cooperate — do not resist arrest, as this is an offence under the Penal Code (s224/s225).
- If the officer does not tell you the reason, ask clearly: "What offence am I being arrested for?"
- Note the officer's name, rank, and the time of arrest.
- You may request to inform a family member or friend of your arrest — the police should facilitate this within a reasonable time.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't resist or flee — even if you believe the arrest is unlawful, resisting is a criminal offence. Challenge it later through legal channels.
- Don't make statements until you understand the allegation and have had the opportunity to consult a lawyer.
- Don't assume plainclothes officers can't arrest you — they can, but should identify themselves.
Common Questions
Must Singapore police tell me why I am being arrested?
Yes. Article 9(3) of the Constitution requires every arrested person to be informed 'as soon as may be' of the grounds of arrest. Under s68 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the arresting officer must inform you of the offence — unless you are caught in the act. The officer must actually touch or confine you, unless you submit to custody.
Can police arrest me in Singapore without a warrant?
Yes, for seizable (more serious) offences, police may arrest without a warrant. For non-seizable offences, a warrant is generally required. The right to be told the grounds of arrest applies regardless of citizenship — citizens, PRs, and foreigners all have this constitutional protection.
What should I do if a Singapore police officer is arresting me?
Stay calm and cooperate — do not resist, as this is a criminal offence under s224/s225 Penal Code. If the officer does not state the reason, ask clearly: 'What offence am I being arrested for?' Note the officer's name, rank, and the time. You may request to inform a family member or friend.
When does it apply — right to know grounds of arrest?
You are being arrested by a police officer or any law enforcement officer with the power of arrest (e.g., CNB, CPIB, ICA).This right applies regardless of citizenship — citizens, PRs, and foreigners all have this constitutional protection while in Singapore.
What should I do if I am being arrested but the police have not told me why in Singapore?
Stay calm and cooperate — do not resist arrest, as this is an offence under the Penal Code (s224/s225).If the officer does not tell you the reason, ask clearly: "What offence am I being arrested for?"Note the officer's name, rank, and the time of arrest.You may request to inform a family member or friend of your arrest — the police should facilitate this within a reasonable time.
What should you NOT do — right to know grounds of arrest?
Don't resist or flee — even if you believe the arrest is unlawful, resisting is a criminal offence. Challenge it later through legal channels.Don't make statements until you understand the allegation and have had the opportunity to consult a lawyer.Don't assume plainclothes officers can't arrest you — they can, but should identify themselves.