<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>Sure, it's got nothing to do with the unbridled influx of FTrash while *cutting back* on spending on the supporting resources!
Anti-social acts stretch police resources
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I FULLY empathise with the Home Team over the strain it faces ('More junior police officers leaving', Aug 27).
Police officers have to cope not only with protecting life and property but also with public complaints about anti-social acts such as feuding neighbours splashing water and loud music disrupting the peace in residential estates. On top of this, they have to defend the nation against terrorism.
Although the police are empowered to act under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, the increased number of incidents of anti-social behaviour has extended police work into nebulous areas which are not entirely crime-busting.
On the other hand, numerous letters to the press on noise nuisance and the concern of our Prime Minister and Minister Mentor point to a distracting trend that also requires attention. After all, noise nuisance and other anti-social behaviour carry a high socio-economic price.
It is indeed a high price in respect of noise nuisance because disrupted sleep and home peace, day or night, can lead to drained energy, frayed nerves, loss of alertness and subsequent impairment of judgment.
Police officers who work shifts may be the very ones affected, not to mention doctors, nurses, pilots and production workers. The silent group of retirees like me, the sick and housewives with babies and children is also affected in the heart of their home.
I feel a special task force with specific know-how of community psychology and the law should be set up to deal with such issues, in particular noise nuisance. Perhaps an inter-ministry task force, comprising civilian officers and a core of trained police officers, should be created specifically for this, to release the bulk of the force to handle real police work.
The authorities may also look into providing practice facilities for budding musicians who choose not to soundproof their home studio or rent a studio to practice.
The bottom line, however, is for people to be aware of the effect their action has on others. I am sure no one likes loud music near their home. Greater social awareness means less strain on police resources and taxpayers' money. Doreen Tan (Mdm)
Anti-social acts stretch police resources
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I FULLY empathise with the Home Team over the strain it faces ('More junior police officers leaving', Aug 27).
Police officers have to cope not only with protecting life and property but also with public complaints about anti-social acts such as feuding neighbours splashing water and loud music disrupting the peace in residential estates. On top of this, they have to defend the nation against terrorism.
Although the police are empowered to act under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, the increased number of incidents of anti-social behaviour has extended police work into nebulous areas which are not entirely crime-busting.
On the other hand, numerous letters to the press on noise nuisance and the concern of our Prime Minister and Minister Mentor point to a distracting trend that also requires attention. After all, noise nuisance and other anti-social behaviour carry a high socio-economic price.
It is indeed a high price in respect of noise nuisance because disrupted sleep and home peace, day or night, can lead to drained energy, frayed nerves, loss of alertness and subsequent impairment of judgment.
Police officers who work shifts may be the very ones affected, not to mention doctors, nurses, pilots and production workers. The silent group of retirees like me, the sick and housewives with babies and children is also affected in the heart of their home.
I feel a special task force with specific know-how of community psychology and the law should be set up to deal with such issues, in particular noise nuisance. Perhaps an inter-ministry task force, comprising civilian officers and a core of trained police officers, should be created specifically for this, to release the bulk of the force to handle real police work.
The authorities may also look into providing practice facilities for budding musicians who choose not to soundproof their home studio or rent a studio to practice.
The bottom line, however, is for people to be aware of the effect their action has on others. I am sure no one likes loud music near their home. Greater social awareness means less strain on police resources and taxpayers' money. Doreen Tan (Mdm)
