Singapore legislation
Regulation 12
of Civil Defence (Arrests, Searches, Investigation and Trial of Offences) Regulations
Regulation 12
Hearing of evidence by disciplinary officer
When a disciplinary officer deals with a charge by hearing the evidence himself the following procedure shall be observed:
each witness for the Force shall give his evidence orally in the presence of the accused, or the disciplinary officer shall read to the accused a written statement made by the witness except that a written statement of a witness for the Force shall not be used if the accused requires that the witness shall give his evidence orally;
the accused shall be allowed to cross-examine any witness for the Force;
the accused may, on his own behalf, give evidence on oath or affirmation or may make a statement without being sworn or affirmed;
the accused may call witnesses in his defence, who shall give their evidence orally and in his presence;
the disciplinary officer shall at this stage decide upon the evidence whether to dismiss the charge or record a finding of guilt;
the disciplinary officer may amend a charge at any time before he gives his findings. A charge if amended shall be read and explained to the accused and he shall be called upon to plead to the amended charge;
the disciplinary officer, if he is satisfied on the evidence as to the accused’s guilt, shall, before recording a finding of guilt or awarding any punishment, examine the service record of the accused and may hear evidence relating to the character of the accused or any other evidence for the purpose of determining the punishment;
the evidence shall not be given on oath or affirmation unless the disciplinary officer so directs or the accused so demands;
when a witness objects to taking an oath, the disciplinary officer shall cause him to make an affirmation;
if the evidence is given on oath or affirmation, the disciplinary officer shall, subject to the accused’s right to make a statement without being sworn or affirmed, administer the oath or affirmation to each witness and to any interpreter in accordance with regulation 22;
any witness testifying in a trial shall be liable to be asked questions by the disciplinary officer; and
the disciplinary officer may adjourn the trial if he considers that the interests of justice so requires.