Home Ministry Police To Enhance Sop For Dealing With Mentally Challenged Suspects

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KUALA LUMPUR: Police will enhance their standard operating procedure (SOP) when it comes to arresting and detaining suspects with special needs, including those with autism, says Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman (pic)
He said that currently, the Inspector General of Police's Standing Order D204 outlines procedures on arrests, detention and bail, among others
"However the Standing Order does not specify when it comes to dealing with suspects with special needs or autistic suspects
"Therefore, enhancements to the SOP will be done soon. This includes a study on how to conduct arrest on such individuals, having special rooms or documentation process, police bail, medical reports, release from custody, and other matters which have to be included into the Standing Order," Mohd Azis said
He was replying to Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) who asked him to state if the government plans to amend the SOP for arrest and administration of special need suspects, including those with autism
He said apart police personnel would also be given training on how to handle such suspects
Mohd Azis added that they will also be working with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry as well as other non-governmental organisations to look into the SOP to ensure enforcement authorities take heed of the needs of such suspects
"Therefore a meeting with stakeholders will be held soon to discuss this SOP
"The Home Ministry is committed to ensuring the welfare of all parties and we agree, there are new challenges in dealing with such cases such as the one reported in USJ involving an autistic individual
"So there is a need to improve the SOP not just for the police but also involving the Immigration Department and all service providers," he said
In September, Ahmad Ziqri Morshidi, a 22-year-old man with autism, was arrested for allegedly molesting a woman by touching her chest
He had to spend the night in the police lock-up as he was taken to court to be remanded the next day
His mother, Hasnah Abdul Rahim said that her son, who is of diminished mental capacity, did not understand the consequences of his actions nor why he was being arrested.- Star

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