Message from Director of Prisons
As clearly espoused in our vision and mission, the rehabilitation of offenders and steering them towards being responsible citizens are key fundamentals in Singapore Prison Service. We have certainly gone a long way in our rehabilitative efforts but these could not have been achieved without the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and community partners.
Prison volunteers from the community are involved in different ways. They form a tremendous resource as role models, mentors, teachers of specific knowledge, skills and lifestyles that inmates need to acquire as well as leaders of spiritual guidance. We encourage and support community involvement in rehabilitative programmes as it provides opportunities to involve dedicated people who have an interest in making a difference. Volunteer participation has proven to have a positive impact on offenders, as they are seen as positive role models who influence pro-social attitudes, beliefs and values.
Every year, more than 11,000 inmates complete their sentences and return to our communities. After serving time, many of them face various challenges in trying to reintegrate into the society and lead normal lives upon their release. They could be struggling to make ends meet, having difficulties getting employment or trying to rebuild their familial ties. By helping ex-offenders overcome such difficulties through various programmes, interventions and support from volunteers, we can play a big part in helping them reintegrate into society and not fall back into crime.
Changing mindsets and reforming lives are more often then not, a thankless task. We also recognize that working with inmates and ex-offenders is always challenging, to say the least. We are hence grateful to all our volunteers and community partners who have decided to offer your valuable time and effort to serve alongside our staff.
To all our volunteers, I hope that your volunteering experience have been interesting, enjoyable as well as rewarding. For those who are keen to come onboard, I would like to extend a very warm welcome. I look forward to your valuable contributions in making a difference in the lives of inmates and ex-offenders.
Mr Ng Joo Hee
Director, Singapore Prison Service