Statement of Research Principles

The Singapore Prison Service welcomes researchers who wish to conduct research or fieldwork in the prisons! The following are our Statement of Research Principles.

Aim and Scope of Research

The aim of any research should not conflict with the Vision, Mission and strategic objectives of Singapore Prison Service.

Research within the Singapore Prison Service should not compromise the rights, safety and well being of research participants.

Research conducted should be intended to benefit the Singapore Prison Service or enhance academic knowledge significantly.

Applicants should review research previously conducted in the same area to avoid unnecessary duplication.

If the research design changes materially during the period of the research, the researcher should inform the research contact - Research and Planning Branch, Singapore Prison Service.

Access and Dissemination of Research Study

Researchers should make clear in their application, the extent to which the study will be disseminated. Researchers should consult the research contact, Research and Planning Branch if there are any changes to the dissemination.

Researchers should state in their application how their research will be used and disseminated.

Research participants should also be made aware of who will have access to the research.

Prior to dissemination of thesis/report, researchers must send the draft of the thesis/report to Research and Planning Branch for comments and to check for factual inaccuracies.

The final copy of the thesis/report must be extended to Research and Planning Branch.

Data Security

Researchers should store all data securely and ensure that the data is coded in a way that maintains the confidentiality and anonymity of research participants.

Researchers are required to sign a form to safeguard official information.

Methodology

Research applications should be methodologically sound with a clear and logical research design.

Time Frame

The request for research must be submitted at least 2 months before the expected date of submission of the research study to allow ample time for selection of sample size and facilitation of interviews where necessary.

Interview Sessions

Researchers must ensure that interview sessions do not compromise the security, operations and smooth functioning of the institutions.

Researchers should prepare indemnity forms and seek valid consent from participants prior to interview sessions. The indemnity form should include the following provisions:

Voice recording of the interviews is subjected to approval and may be screened.

Estimated completion time of eForm is 15 minutes.

I agree to the statements above

I do not agree to the statements above