ABSENCE WITHOUT LEAVE BY FULL-TIME NATIONAL SERVICEMEN

Column No : 3245

ABSENCE WITHOUT LEAVE BY FULL-TIME NATIONAL SERVICEMEN

32.

Ms Braema Mathiaparanam asked the Minister for Defence (a) what is the rate of repeat offence among full-time National Servicemen who go on absence without leave (AWOL); (b) what is the nature of the counselling they receive; and (c) whether this approach is in line with counselling schemes under the Restorative Justice Programmes introduced in 1995 for juvenile crimes.

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: (a) In 2002, a total of 358 full-time National Servicemen were sentenced to detention for the offence of AWOL. Of these 358 servicemen, 203 were repeat offenders. In other words, based on an average strength of about 30,000 full-time National Servicemen, the AWOL rate in 2002 was about 12 in 1,000. Of these 12, approximately 7 were repeat offenders.

(b) Full-time national servicemen convicted of AWOL are given individual counselling, group-based programmes and a befriending service by volunteer paracounsellors trained by the SAF Counselling Centre, where appropriate. Those with severe psychological problems may be referred to the SAF psychiatrists. In addition, they attend weekly religious services conducted by volunteers from approved religious organisations and receive weekly visits by their parents and significant others such as girlfriends. As part of their overall rehabilitation plan, they are also given opportunities to further their education by studying for their N, O or A levels.

Servicemen sentenced to detention are also given emotional support and guidance as well as taught other AWOL-avoidance skills. Volunteer paracounsellors visit them in the Detention Barracks to befriend them, establish rapport and help to prepare them for their eventual release. Upon their discharge from detention, paracounsellors will assist them in their transition and help them to readapt to military life.

(c) Yes, the basic philosophy adopted by the SAF in the management of military offenders, including AWOL offenders, is similar to the "Restorative Justice Model" of the Juvenile Court of Singapore. Specifically, it is aimed at returning the offender to the SAF to resume his military training and/or duty and, ultimately, to reintegrate him to society as a useful and responsible citizen. There are two aspects in this model, viz, deterrence and rehabilitation. In the former, the offender is held accountable for his misconduct of committing AWOL and the punishment meted out must be a sufficient deterrent to him to not re-offend as well as to other potential offenders. Hence, the period of incarceration, tough regime and physical training in the SAF Detention Barracks are aimed at achieving deterrence. In the latter, counselling provided by a full-time counsellor and/or volunteer paracounsellors as well as a programme of voluntary religious services, education and art and craft training provide for the rehabilitation of the AWOL offenders. These are aimed at changing the values, attitudes and behaviours of the AWOL offenders as well as helping them to acquire new lifeskills so that they do not have to resort to AWOL again. Parents are also encouraged to help in this rehabilitation process by visiting them in the Detention Barracks and giving appropriate support and encouragement.