Singapore Prison Service – Our RP Journey

Richie Tan has since been working as a Correctional Rehabilitation Specialist (CRS) in the Reformative Training Centre (RTC) for the last five years. As a CRS, he conducts psychology-based correctional programmes, performs risk-assessments and works alongside officers to inspire change at every opportunity. He is part of the core team that champions Restorative Practice in SPS, of which one of the main goals is to develop a RP culture and establish a clear framework within the prison context.

Randeep Singh is currently a Housing Unit Officer at Institution B4, Pre-Release Centre (PRC). He ensures the safe and secure custody of the pre-release inmates and facilitate the delivery of programmes for them. Randeep works closely with various stakeholders such as Personal Supervisors, Correctional Rehabilitation Specialists, Reintegration Officers, and the inmates’ next-of-kin to facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of the inmates. Randeep is responsible for reviewing the various processes and systems to create a transformational environment in the Housing Unit for the High Intensity Pre-Release inmates. Randeep has also undergone training in Restorative Practice, and is responsible for implementing RP in the housing unit.

Prisons has traditionally been viewed as a place for retributive justice, deterrence and punishment. While the concept of “restoration” and “retribution” may seem conflicting, we believe that every offender deserve a second chance. A key concept termed in the social discipline window highlights that a restorative approach promotes high control as well as high support by working “with” people. This concepts resonates strongly with our mission to ensure the safe custody and rehabilitation of offenders. We believe that working with the individuals and their families would greatly enhance our efforts to ensure a safer Singapore.

This presentation provides insight into the Restorative Practice journey that the Singapore Prison Service had embarked on. We will provide an overview of how RP is implemented in an institutionalised setting, the challenges and the success stories. Additionally, through a few case examples, we aim to illustrate how we apply restorative practice, and it’s utility in rebuilding relationships & repairing harm in the prison context.

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