Reply: I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that as at 28 May 2026, the current number of cumulative cases whereby Police is conducting inquiries is 305,926, of which, 23,198 cases have been ongoing for a period exceeding three years. This figure includes 52,339 declarations made to the Police on other occurrences which do not constitute an offence but require an inquiry. I am informed that the duration of an inquiry varies depending on the nature and complexity of the offence committed. Some of the reasons why inquiries take months or even years are as follows – (i) accused is unknown or has absconded, or the complainant is unavailable or reluctant to give further statements; (ii) long waiting time for the reception of relevant documents, such as, Medico-Legal report, Forensic Science Laboratory report, report from Banks, Judge’s Order and reports of examinations of exhibits conducted by competent authorities abroad such as in South Africa and France; (iii) cases having international ramifications or cases of transnational nature; (iv) cases of missing persons, and (v) cases wherein human remains have not been identified. Police have issued Standing Orders and Guidelines which lay down clear instructions regarding procedures for Declarations, Enquiries, Prosecutions and Disposal of cases. The Standing Orders also require Enquiring Officers to submit all their cases on a fortnightly basis to the Police Station Enquiring Officer for perusal and instructions, if any. Moreover, the Deputy Commissioner of Police ‘Operations’ chairs a monthly coordinating meeting with all the Police Divisions and Units, where outstanding cases are discussed and analysed. In August 2025, Divisional Enquiry Panels have been set up in each Police Division to address outstanding cases. The Panels, under the supervision of an Assistant Superintendent of Police or Superintendent of Police, has the following responsibilities, amongst others – (i) to ensure that all inquiries comply with due process; (ii) to identify investigative gaps as well as evidentiary weaknesses, and to propose remedial actions; (iii) to facilitate legal coordination and timely feedback on all case files; (iv) to review complex and sensitive cases; and (v) to return incomplete files to relevant Police Stations with clear instructions for corrective actions. MINISTRIES & GOVERNMENT BODIES – CASHLESS PAYMENTS