Quora Answer: If the Police are Called for Frivolous Reasons, Must They Come?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “If someone calls the police over and over for frivolous reasons, are they legally obligated to keep coming?”

Within the context of Singapore, the police are legally obligated to respond to every police emergency, or situation.  However, it is the discretion of operator on whether to dispatch police resources, or advise the caller on the relevant government department.  For example, noise complaints during the day are a civil concern, and may be referred to the town council, or estate management for adjudication.

However, a person calling the police over, and over, for frivolous reasons will be counselled by the police.  Thereafter, they will be given a police warning.  Should they still persist, they will be prosecuted, which involves a fine.  Should the offender continue, it is a larger fine, and a custodial sentence.  That would be very rare.