Frequently Asked Questions about Career

1. Is the job of a Prison Officer dangerous?

Our officers command respect and authority by being firm and fair. We believe in earning the respect of the offenders by treating them fairly and humanely. Most of the inmates are well-behaved. At the same time, we have alarm systems and defence tactics training provided to all Prison Officers.

2. Is there insurance coverage?

Yes. We have a compulsory group insurance scheme.

3. Do Prison Officers carry weapons while on duty?

Yes. We carry a baton while on duty.

4. What are the requirements to be a Prison Officer?

If you wish to pursue a career with us, as a Senior Prison Officer, you need possess a degree from a recognised university. To be a Prison Officer, you must have at least 5 GCE 'O' level credits. Applicants who possess 4 GCE 'O' level credits or NTC2 (NITEC) would be considered for a 3 year contract if shortlisted.

You must be medically fit with no colour blindness. For male Singaporeans, you are required to complete National Service, possess current status of PES 'A' or 'B'. For more details, you may call our Career Line at 1800-5420000.

5. What are the working hours like?

Operational staff work in shifts: Morning Shift (0700 - 1500 hrs), Afternoon Shift (1200 - 2000 hrs), with either Saturday or Sunday off. Some staff may also be deployed to perform Night Shift (1900 - 0700 hrs). Staff on Night Shift will work for 2 nights, followed by 2 off days. Officers who do staff work which are more administrative in nature, follow the long shift which is from 0830 - 1730 hrs. The exact timing of the shifts may vary slightly depending on the institution concerned.

6. Where will I be posted to?

For your foundational posting; you will be posted to a Prison or DRC as a Personal Supervisor (PO) / Housing Unit Officer (SPO). Depending on your potential and performance, your subsequent postings might include Staff Work as well.

7. Will there be training provided?

Yes. Basic training will be provided to all new Prison officers at the Home Team Academy.

8. Is the basic training tough?

Our instructors are trained to handle trainees of various levels of physical fitness. There is a systematic development of officers.

9. What are the types of training I will receive?

Training consists of academic classes such as Prison Laws and Regulations, operations and security procedures. It also includes weapon handling, self-defence tactics, physical training and foot drill.

10. Do trainees have to pass all tests during training?

Yes. Trainees are required to pass all tests. In addition, trainees are expected to pass with at least a silver in their IPPT during training.

IPPT Standards
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11. Do inmates create trouble inside?

There are some squabbles and fights but they belong to the minority. They will be dealt with under the Prison Rules and Regulations.

12. How does the Department manage inmates with suicidal tendencies?

Inmates who have suicidal tendencies are closely monitored and referred for counselling and psychological assessment.

13. How would one be qualified to join SPEAR?

You have to be physically and mentally fit and must be selected by an interview board.

14. How long is the notice period for resignation?

1 month.

15. How are violent inmates dealt with?

They will be dealt with under the Prison Rules and Regulations.

16. Are the families of the staff allowed to enter the institution?

No. Only Prison Staff are allowed enter the institutions.  This is to ensure the security of the institutions.

17. Do you have the power to arrest offenders?

No. Arrests of offenders are left to the law-enforcement agencies like the Singapore Police Force.

18. Can I join the Prisons Department and serve my NS?

No. You must complete your NS first before applying to join us.

19. Are ladies allowed to put on make-up?

Light make-up is acceptable.

20. How soon will I be called up for an interview?

You would be hearing from us within 30 days of your application.

21. What are the recruitment stages I would expect to undergo if I’m interested in the uniformed position ?

Shortlisted candidates would be invited to attend a selection assessment (paper and pencil test). This would be a half day event.

Candidates who pass the selection assessment would be invited to attend a job preview to a prison institution and a selection interview.

Shortlisted candidates would be scheduled for a medical examination.

Candidates are continually assessed throughout the recruitment process (up to the day he/ she signs on the letter of appointment), and hence, may be eliminated from the recruitment process at any point in time if found to be unsuitable for the position.

22. What is the time frame from the time of interview to the time of appointment by the Department?

This may take about a month.

23. What are the medical requirements to be a Prison Officer?

You will be subject to medical examination by the Government Officials' Clinic. You must also be medically fit and should not be suffering from colour blindness.

24. What are the career prospects of being a Prison Officer?

Each officer will be appointed and delegated with different duties and responsibilities based on one’s performance and potential.

25. How long is the probation period?

One year.

26. Will I be rotated to different jobs in the Department?

Yes. You will be rotated to different duty posts.

27. Who are eligible for sponsorship of courses?

Generally, officers must have a few years of experience, consistently good performance and have demonstrated the potential for higher level appointment.

Home Affairs Learning & Growth (HALO) Programme

Diploma holders that join the Home Team may be considered for full-sponsorship to do their degree studies in any of the three local universities after a minimum of 2 years of service if they have been assessed to perform well and have senior officer potential.

Officers selected for the HALO Programme will continue to draw their full salary whilst on their degree course. Upon the successful completion of their degree programme, these officers will be emplaced on the senior officer scheme of service.

FAQ on HALO programme
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28. What is the promotion criteria?

Factors considered for promotion are : · performance · potential · disciplinary record
· pass annual IPPT

29. How long is the bond period? How is it calculated?

The bond period is 2 years. The training bond takes effect when you commence training. But the serving out of the 2-year bond period starts from the moment you complete the full training phase at the Home Team Academy, which includes On-the-Job Training.

You may refer to the above conditions and start sourcing for two suitable sureties earlier, so that you can be appointed as soon as possible when Singapore Prison Service proposes a job offer to you.

Preparing for the job
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30. What is the retirement age?

The retirement age is 50 for Prison Officers, and 55 for Senior Prison Officers.

31. Are there any retirement benefits?

Yes. All officers will be placed under the Invest Scheme. For Prison Officers, this consists of the following two components – the Retention Payment Scheme and the Retirement Fund. For Senior Prison Officers, it consists of only the Retirement Fund.

Under the Retention Payment Scheme, MHA will contribute to officers’ Retention Payment Accounts in the following amounts:

• 1 month gross salary per year in service during the first 6 years;
  
• 1.5 months gross salary per year in service during the 7th to 10th years

Officers will receive part of the funds in the account in their 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th years in service.

Under the Retirement Fund, MHA will contribute a certain amount into officers’ Retirement Accounts commencing from their 7th year in service, above and beyond their gross salary. This amount is 7.75% of gross salary for Prison Officers and 6% of gross salary for Senior Prison Officers. Officers will be entitled to the total amount in their accounts upon retirement. Officers who resign will forfeit this amount of money.

32. I possess a diploma from a private college, would I still be shortlisted?

Singapore Prison Service accepts only diploma graduates from the five local polytechnics, namely Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Republic, Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic, as well as diplomas from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), National Institute of Education (NIE) and Laselle SIA College of Arts. If you possess any diploma from other private institutions, apart from those mentioned, your next highest qualification would be considered instead.

Think you are up to the challenge?

For more information, please call our Career Line at 1800-542 0000 or click here to apply now.

If shortlisted, candidates will be notified within the next 30 days.