Housing Unit Management System

We believe that our officers need to know our inmates as individuals in order to chart a customised recovery route for each of them. Our officers now work under the Housing Unit Management System as Personal Supervisors to inmates.

A dedicated team of Prison officers is assigned to manage inmates housed within each Housing Unit. The team is responsible for all matters relating to this group of inmates, including inmates' discipline, rehabilitation and security.

Under the system, a Prison officer is assigned as a Personal Supervisor, to manage a group of inmates. This fosters focused and purposeful interaction between Prison officers and inmates, leading to mutual respect and trust.

Housing Unit Management System benefits both staff and inmates. It empowers our staff because they are given more autonomy in running their units. It helps us understand and manage inmates better and reinforces the sense of mission in our profession, so that we truly become "Captains of Lives". Inmates find friends and mentors in their Personal Supervisors who do not only care for the rehabilitation of the inmates but also the people in their lives as well.

Feedback On Our Personal Supervisors

The True Captain of Lives

"... I am writing these not because I was instructed or influenced to do so. Neither was I being ‘paid’ for penning the truth about the people who have done wonders to re-instill the fading confidence and hopelessness of a convict. I just want to express my heartfelt thanks to these people who have, in many ways, helped me to re-navigate my senselessness and direction in live. Yes, I was a prisoner. I was a menace to the society, a burden to my family. Naturally, I would be categorized as a ‘no-hoper’, a marauding wave that would bang against all ships, boats, planks or any other things that come in the way to reach my destination at all cost. In other words, many have given up hope for me to change. My habits were beyond resurrection. But by HIS grace, I was sent to Selarang Park Drug Rehabilitation Centre where suddenly I began to reconsider things. I began to see light with the help of these officers that will remain close to my heart forever. They may not be high-ranking officers but their efforts and selflessness to help me and other inmates to realize our mistakes and gave us the support and care..."

Excerpt from a letter to Sgt Darwisy and Cpl Ishak from SPD by an ex-inmate

"...for being a pillar of integrity, with your heart in the right place. You had put the interests of inmates above your own convenience. Your sincerity shone through liked a beacon of morality in such a depressing environment. The Prison Service would do well to have officers like you, leading into the 21st century. Thank you very much Sir, for rehabilitating us. You have my sincere salute anytime..."

Compliment to RO Ng Pang Siong from QRP by an ex-Inmate

Ethics Structure

An Ethics structure was developed to help Personal Supervisors deal with ethical dilemmas, which may arise as a result of their close interaction with the inmates. Ethical issues presented as case studies are discussed periodically at the Ethics Forum chaired by a senior management staff at Prisons HQ.