The police superintendent identified as Chan Hee Keong has been charged in court for multiple offenses, including drink driving, following his alleged actions in the Tampines area in February 2024. According to court documents seen by The Straits Times, the 51-year-old superintendent allegedly drank alcohol and drove dangerously in Tampines.
Here are some specifics from the incident:
- Stopping Car on Road for Longer Than Normal: At around 11:40 pm on February 23, 2024, Chan allegedly halted his car for an extended period at a junction near Block 218 Bedok North Street 1, causing inconvenience to other road users.
- Speeding and Dangerous Driving: While driving along Tampines Avenue 5 towards Xilin Avenue, Chan allegedly swerved in and out of a lane, nearly colliding with another vehicle. He also reportedly reached speeds of up to 93 km/h in an area with a speed limit of 70 km/h.
- Exceeding Legal Alcohol Limit: Chan was found to have had 67 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath, nearly twice the legal limit of 35mg per 100ml. As a result, he was formally charged in court on February 6.
Considering the severity of the offenses, a first-time drink driving offender in Singapore faces a potential prison term of up to one year and a fine of up to S$10,000. Repeat offenders may face more stringent penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years and fines of up to S$20,000.
Chan, who holds the position of Head of Operations & Intelligence at the Police Security Command, had been bestowed with the Long Service Medal during the National Day Awards ceremony in 2023. The Singapore Police Force began a swift investigation into his actions upon discovering the case and emphasized that SPF officers are expected to comply with the law and adhere to high standards of conduct, with transgressors being held accountable through legal proceedings.
As highlighted by an SPF spokesperson, “those who break the law are dealt accordingly.” Additionally, the Singapore Police Force refrained from making further comments on the case due to the ongoing court proceedings.
This incident concerning a senior police officer has raised concerns about upholding the integrity and standards of conduct within the law enforcement community. With Chan’s case scheduled for further court hearings in March, it remains to be seen how the legal process will unfold to address the alleged offenses.
