Singapore legislation

Regulation 16

of Prisons Regulations

Regulation 16

Use of force

Amended byS 369/2026 wef 08/06/2026

Subregulation 1

A prison officer may use force on a prisoner if all the following conditions are met:

(a)

the use of force is necessary —

(i)

to prevent the prisoner from causing self-injury, injuring others, or escaping; or

(ii)

to ensure the safety, security or good order of the prison;

(b)

the use of force complies with the Prison Standing Orders or guidelines approved by the Commissioner;

(c)

the use of force does not exceed what is reasonably necessary in the circumstances.

Subregulation 2

If a prison officer uses force on a prisoner in a prison or a prisoner who is being escorted from a prison —

(a)

the prisoner must, as soon as practicable, be brought to a medical officer, a registered medical practitioner, or an enrolled nurse or a registered nurse within the meanings given by section 2 of the Nurses and Midwives Act 1999 —

(i)

to be examined for injury; and

(ii)

for any injury and other observations to be recorded; and

(b)

a report of the matter must immediately be made to the Superintendent of the prison.

Subregulation 3

Amended byS 369/2026 wef 08/06/2026

To avoid doubt, this regulation does not affect section 81B of the Act.

Regulation 16 — Prisons Regulations | laws.sg