Statements to Police
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance.
Singapore National Law
What is this right?
Singapore law requires persons to answer police questions in certain circumstances, but also provides protections:
- Section 22 statement (investigation statement): You are legally bound to state truly the facts and circumstances of the case of which you have knowledge, except that you are not bound to say anything that might expose you to a criminal charge.
- Section 23 statement (cautioned statement): After being charged, the police will read a formal caution and invite you to state anything in your defence. If you fail to mention a fact that you later rely on in court, the court may draw an adverse inference against you.
- Voluntariness: Statements obtained by inducement, threat, or promise are inadmissible in court (CPC s258).
When does it apply?
- You are being questioned by a police officer or other law enforcement officer during an investigation.
- Section 22 applies to witnesses and suspects alike — refusal to answer is an offence (s179 Penal Code: up to $5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment).
- Section 23 applies after you have been formally charged with an offence.
What should you do?
- Answer factual questions truthfully — you are legally obliged to state facts within your knowledge.
- Exercise your privilege against self-incrimination — you do not have to say anything that would directly expose you to a criminal charge.
- Read your statement carefully before signing — you have the right to make corrections and amendments. The statement should accurately reflect what you said.
- When given a cautioned statement, state your defence fully — withholding facts can harm your case at trial.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't lie to the police — giving a false statement is an offence under s182 Penal Code (up to 2 years imprisonment and/or fine).
- Don't refuse all answers — unlike some other countries, Singapore does not have a blanket "right to remain silent." You must answer factual questions unless the answer would incriminate you.
- Don't sign a statement you haven't read — you have the right to read it, make corrections, and ensure accuracy.
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