PRISONERS (Particulars and rehabilitation measures)

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he will state (i) the average number of prisoners discharged in the years 1983 to 1987 and (ii) the various new rehabilitation measures that are being undertaken to minimize recidivism.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar): Mr Speaker, Sir, the average number of convicted prisoners discharged in the years 1983 to 1987 was 6,384.

As for the various rehabilitation measures, let me refer to the following schemes. First, there are two schemes known as Work Release and Pre-Release Employment Schemes. The Work Release Scheme is for short-term prisoners and the Pre-release Employment Scheme is for long-term prisoners.

Prisoners selected for the schemes are transferred to day release camps where they are granted leave to take up employment outside during the day. And they return to the camps after work.

Short-term prisoners selected under the scheme are released for work during the last six months of their sentence. This is a new scheme. For the FY 85-86, 86 inmates were placed on the scheme while another 180 inmates were placed during FY 86-87.

Prisoners who are imprisoned for four years or more and have at least 12 months' sentence remaining are also eligible to be considered for the Pre-release Employment Scheme for long-term prisoners. If selected, they are granted leave to take up employment for 12 months.

As at 31st March 1987, 35 inmates were on the Pre-release Employment Scheme, of which, 27 were placed for work in the building industry while the remaining eight were placed in the manufacturing sector.

As regards vocational training, Sir, the Prisons Department also has a vocational training scheme to provide selected inmates with the opportunity of obtaining recognized trade qualifications in skills which will stand them in good stead when they are discharged and they seek employment.

In 1987, there were four courses, of which three were certificated courses, namely, Electrical Wiring (VITB's Certificate of Competency), Metal Fabrication (VITB's National Trade Certificate 3) and Construction Trade (CITC's Basic Builder Certificate). The Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) will be seeking approved training status for a fourth course (Hair Cutting for Males) and upgrading it to Certificate of Competency level. As at 31st March 1987, there were 439 trainees.

The passing rate of those who sat for the public trade tests is encouraging. Of the 202 inmates who sat for the public trade tests in the three certificated courses of Electrical Wiring and Welding, 177 of them passed, a passing rate of more than 87%.

Finally, Sir, on educational activity. In January 1988, an average of 280 prisoners were attending various academic courses, GCE 'O' and 'N' levels, WISE and BEST classes which were taught by 14 full-time and four part-time teachers seconded from the Ministry of Education.

Dr S. Vasoo (Bo Wen): Sir, would the Minister be able to tell the House how effective has been the various schemes such as the Day Release Scheme and the Work Release Scheme? What future plans does SCORE have in providing new rehabilitation programmes for prisoners?

Prof. Jayakumar: The feedback from those who are in charge of these rehabilitative schemes is that these courses are indeed effective. It gives them certain qualifications which facilitate their entry and settling down to normal life after release from prison.

As for new directions for rehabilitative schemes, Members will recall that when we had the Second and Third Readings of the SCORE Act, I did refer to the fact that with these amendments, SCORE would be in a position to work out new schemes for rehabilitation, both of prisoners as well as those in the drug rehabilitation centres. These are presently being studied and I hope to be able to give more details at a later date.