New initiative grants powers to intervene in severe cases of hoarding and noise disturbances.
Singapore’s newly established Community Relations Unit (CRU) is set to address two major community disputes: severe hoarding and noise nuisance. The unit, formed following amendments to the Community Disputes Resolution Act, will be empowered to enter homes and forcibly declutter them in cases of extreme hoarding, with the approval of the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT).
Powers and Scope of the CRU
The CRU will focus on:
Hoarding cases where homes may pose health and safety risks due to pest infestations or fire hazards. Officers can remove hoarded materials after all other intervention efforts have failed.
Noise-related disputes, where officers can deploy noise sensors to gather evidence, identifying the direction, timing, and intensity of disturbances.
These measures aim to address issues that affect public health, safety, and well-being. For example, noise sensors provide more reliable evidence compared to personal audio recordings, which may be distorted. The officers must seek the consent of home occupiers before using these sensors.
Support for Mental Health Cases
For individuals with mental health conditions, CRU officers will collaborate with partner agencies, such as the Institute of Mental Health and the Agency for Integrated Care, to offer treatment. If necessary, the CRU can apply for a mandatory treatment order to compel individuals to seek care.
Pilot Program in Tampines
The CRU will be piloted in Tampines, where it will handle an average case load. The trial will last for one year, starting in the second quarter of 2025, and will help determine how the initiative can be scaled to other parts of Singapore.
Safeguards and Concerns
In response to concerns about malicious complaints, Ms. Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for National Development, assured that the CRU would have safeguards in place. If complaints are deemed frivolous or unfounded, the CRU has the discretion to dismiss them and impose penalties.
