The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has issued a public statement about one of its officer’s behaviour after a photograph of him posing next to a deceased person was circulated on social media.

The incident reportedly happened on 28 Jun 2022.

Police Officer Blasted by Next-of-Kin for Blatant Disrespect

A Facebook user posted the photo in question and blasted the officer for showing the peace sign with both hands while standing next to a blue tent covering their aunt’s body.

“That was my auntie lying on the ground, motionless, and decided to take her life. Instead of showing basic respect, this police officer decided it was funny and treated the situation as if it was a happy matter, like he just won a trophy, a game or a prize,” they wrote.

They commented on the apparent lack of respect the officer had for the deceased, saying, “Is a dead body a prize to police officers? Is there no integrity on how a police officer should behave, especially when he is on duty, attending to a case involving casualty?

This is utterly unacceptable and disrespectful to my family and myself and anyone who has been through death in the family.”

Singapore Police Force Apologises; Issues Statement

According to Mothership, the SPF apologised to the user over a phone call. The user has since taken down the original post following the call. Additionally, they commended the SPF for the “fast action and assurance they will reinforce on the sensitivity when handling such cases”

The SPF also issued a public statement on its official Facebook page addressing the incident. It said that the police had contacted the next of kin of the deceased and apologised for the officer’s actions. “While the officer was not taking a photo of himself at the scene, he had responded inappropriately to the presence of onlookers in the vicinity.”

The SPF emphasised that all police officers are expected to maintain professionalism in managing incidents, and added that it will be taking internal action against the officer in the photograph.