Compared to some countries Singapore is relatively crime-free. This is due in no small part to our efficient police force and court system. The police alone, however, would not be as effective as they are if not for the public spiritedness of most Singaporeans. This plays a very important part in keeping the crime rate down in Singapore. Cooperation between the members of the public and the police force in the form of information given by members of the public to prevent or solve crimes is vital. The police on their part are always finding new ways to foster closer ties with the public through the formation of neighbourhood beat bases as well as organizing community functions.
Criminals are often than not individuals who do not fit into society as they are unwilling to accept the basic rules that govern our society. Some of the reasons put forward by the experts are that these people often come from broken homes and do not have the benefit of being instilled with proper moral values. However the rise of white collar crimes in Singapore would seem to suggest that this may not be the only possible factor. Sometimes greed for material wealth may compel a person to embark on a life of crime despite his family background. Whatever the reasons may be criminals pose a real threat to the well being of our society.
This can clearly be seen from the rise in drug-related crimes over the last few decades. This is a real cause of concern for the authorities as criminals engaged in the trafficking and distribution of these illegal substances have targeted a very important segment of society, our youth. The number of young people addicted to drugs is on the rise. What is more disturbing is that some of these youths turn to committing petty crimes like extortion and shoplifting to support their habits.
The future of criminals in this country, however, is very bleak as our justice system will ensure that they are dealt with severely. Also, drug rehabilitation programmes instituted and run by the government have gone a long way to return some of our wayward youths to leading good productive lives.
compel force
decade a period of ten years