Police to train teachers to detect gang involvement in schools
13 new and enhanced recommendations have been made to support at-risk and vulnerable populations
Singapore's police force will train educators and social workers to identify early indicators of gang involvement among students, according to Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong. The initiative aims to provide timely intervention and reduce youth crime. Tong emphasized the importance of supporting the nation's youth, whose recent increase in offending has led to a rise in assaults. The inaugural training session, set to commence in 2027, will involve approximately 120 educators and social workers.
The program will also involve students as ambassadors and mentors against crime, with 400 students from eight secondary schools already participating in the Youth Community Outreach Programme. By 2027, the number of participating schools is expected to grow to 20. Tong highlighted the growing concern of intergenerational offending, citing a study that found children with parental incarceration history are three and a half times more likely to offend.
He pledged to improve coordination between agencies to provide better support for affected families, particularly those with incarcerated relatives.
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