Police reviewing hospital shooting case for possible neglect of duty
Muhammad Iskandar Sa'at, the suspect for the shooting at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — The police’s Internal Affairs Office is investigating the possible negligence of duty by the officers involved in the shooting incident at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) last month, when a man in custody tried to escape from police officers.
And their findings will be reviewed by an independent review panel “given the seriousness of the incident”, said Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean in a written reply issued in response to a parliamentary question yesterday (July 13).
The independent review mechanism is in place to ensure that Home Team departments’ investigations into their officers’ performance of duties are thorough and well-conducted, he said. Together with the internal investigation as well as the ongoing criminal investigation into the unlawful discharge of firearms, it will allow the police to identify any shortcomings in compliance and take corrective action to address any gaps in the existing procedures, he added.
On June 20, gunshots were fired in the hospital when Muhammad Iskandar Sa’at, 23, allegedly tried to escape from police officers after being brought to the hospital for a check-up. Muhammad Iskandar had been under arrest for motor vehicle theft.
During the attempt to escape, Muhammad Iskandar is said to have grabbed one of the police officers’ revolver, and shots were fired. He sustained superficial injuries while the officer suffered gunshot wounds to his left thumb and right foot.
Muhammad Iskandar was charged on June 22 with the unlawful discharge of firearms, which carries the mandatory death penalty.
Mr Teo said the police’s preliminary investigations showed that the escort procedures, which were reviewed by the police last year, are “generally sound”.
“Nonetheless, in the light of this incident, the police are doing ground audits to ensure that the escort procedures are being properly complied with,” he said.
Providing a rundown of escort procedures, Mr Teo said grip restraints are used. Unless deemed necessary by medical personnel, the restraints cannot be removed from the person at any time. If one arm has to be released, the other arm must be secured to an immovable fixture.
Also, at least two police escort officers are required to be present at all times during the escort, and they are not to lose sight of the person in custody at any time.
Previously, it was reported that Muhammad Iskandar is believed to have attacked the police officer while his colleague had stepped out of the room.
