Regional Residents Back Death Penalty as Crime Deterrent in Singapore

A significant majority of residents from six regional cities support the use of the death penalty in Singapore as an effective deterrent against serious crimes, according to a recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Released on August 26, 2024, the survey involved responses from 12,000 residents and revealed that 83.9% of participants believe capital punishment effectively discourages serious offenses, including murder and gun smuggling.

The online survey also found that 84.2% of respondents aged 20 to 64 felt that the death penalty plays a crucial role in deterring the trafficking of significant quantities of drugs into Singapore. The six cities surveyed were selected based on their substantial visitor numbers to Singapore in recent years, although MHA opted not to disclose their names.

Perceptions of Crime and Safety

This survey represents the second edition of an effort to gauge perceptions of crime and law enforcement in Singapore, building on the findings of the first survey conducted in 2018. The latest study was carried out between September and November 2024 and featured several methodological improvements.

Among the findings, 82.1% of respondents indicated that recent executions of drug traffickers in Singapore have successfully discouraged drug trafficking. When comparing the death penalty to life imprisonment, 81% of participants asserted that capital punishment is a more effective deterrent against serious crimes, with 82.5% agreeing that it specifically deters drug trafficking.

Survey participants also expressed a strong sense of safety within Singapore. 82.3% of respondents stated they feel secure while traveling in the city-state, and 87.3% trust law enforcement officers to ensure their safety. The MHA noted a “very high awareness” of laws and penalties related to serious crimes, with 95% aware that drug consumption is illegal and 95.2% recognizing that drug trafficking is also a crime.

Confidence in Law Enforcement

The survey highlighted strong confidence in the effectiveness of Singapore’s strict laws and enforcement efforts. An impressive 89.6% believed that the country’s laws against crime are stringent, and 88.6% agreed that these laws are successful in preventing crime. Furthermore, 84.7% of respondents felt that individuals would think twice before committing crimes in Singapore.

Confidence in the abilities of law enforcement was also evident, with 86.8% believing that authorities effectively apprehend offenders. Most participants felt that those committing crimes, consuming drugs, or engaging in drug trafficking are likely to be caught, with figures standing at 87.9%, 86.4%, and 89.6% respectively. Additionally, 90.3% believed that offenders would face punishment if apprehended.

When asked about the perceived fairness of Singapore’s criminal justice system, 79.4% of participants believed it treats individuals fairly, while 80.4% agreed that the courts act justly. The MHA concluded that a large majority of residents from regional cities continue to exhibit favorable views on Singapore’s safety and security, demonstrating strong awareness of laws against serious crimes and confidence in the effectiveness of the law enforcement system. They particularly noted the belief that the death penalty serves as a more effective deterrent than life imprisonment.