Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (Singapore)

Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act
A police officer equipped with a firearm and handcuffs
An Act to make temporary provisions for the maintenance of public order, the control of supplies by sea to Singapore, and the prevention of strikes and lock-outs in essential services
Citation	Ordinance No. 26 of 1955, now Cap. 67, 2000 Rev. Ed.
Enacted by	Legislative Assembly of Singapore
Date enacted	22 September 1955
Date commenced	21 October 1955
Legislative history
Bill published on	31 August 1955
Introduced by	Chief Secretary William Allmond Codrington Goode
First reading	18 August 1955
Second reading	22 September 1955
Third reading	22 September 1955

The Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (often known by the abbreviation "CLTPA") is a Singapore statute that, among other things, allows the executive branch of the Government of Singapore to order that suspected criminals be detained without trial. It was introduced in 1955 during the colonial era and intended to be a temporary measure, but has been renewed continuously. The validity of the Act was most recently extended in November 2013, and it will remain in force till 20 October 2019. According to the Government, the Act is only used as a last resort when a serious crime has been committed and a court prosecution is not possible because witnesses are unwilling or afraid to testify in court. The Act is used largely in cases relating to secret societies, drug trafficking and loansharking.

Part V of the Act provides that whenever the Minister for Home Affairs is satisfied that a person, whether at large or in custody, has been associated with activities of a criminal nature, the Minister may, with the consent of the Public Prosecutor, order that the person be detained for any period not exceeding 12 months if he is satisfied that the detention is necessary in the interests of public safety, peace and good order; or order that the person be subject to police supervision for any period not exceeding three years if he is satisfied that this is necessary. Within 28 days of a detention order being made, the Minister must refer the order and a statement of the grounds upon which the order was made to an advisory committee. The advisory committee must submit a written report on the making of the order, with recommendations as it thinks fit, to the President of Singapore, who may cancel or confirm the order. The President may, from time to time, extend the validity of any detention order for periods not exceeding 12 months at any one time, and may at any time refer any such orders for further consideration by an advisory committee. Between 2008 and 2012, the average number of detention orders issued each year was 43, and as of 31 October 2013 there were 209 people detained under the CLTPA.