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Fewer inmates land jobs before release, as recidivism increases

SINGAPORE — Despite an increase in the number of employers registered with the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE), relatively fewer prison inmates secured a job before their release last year.

SINGAPORE — Despite an increase in the number of employers registered with the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE), relatively fewer prison inmates secured a job before their release last year.

A total of 1,865 inmates managed to get jobs last year, fewer than the 2,114 reported in 2013. On the other hand, SCORE had 4,433 employers registered with it last year, up from 3,876 in 2013.

Between 2010 and 2012, there was a 4 per cent rise in the overall rate of recidivism, a relapse into criminal behaviour. The figures were released by the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) yesterday as part of its annual statistics for 2014.

Last year saw a total of 11,595 convicted imprisonments. Most of the convictions involved property crimes, drug and immigration offences. As of the end of last year, there were 9,754 inmates in prison.

A spokesperson for SCORE said there were several reasons for the fall in the number of inmates securing jobs before their release. These include a decrease in the number of inmates at the tail end of their sentences who indicate a need for employment assistance.

SCORE helps inmates find job opportunities in industries such as hospitality, logistics and manufacturing. It said it had constantly reviewed its job preparation process to stay relevant and better match the needs of inmates to the demands of the work industry. This includes assessing an inmate’s industry suitability and job readiness.

“Job coaching is also provided to help enhance inmates’ commitment toward holding a job and their job readiness,” the spokesperson added.

Ms Denise Phua, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Social and Family Development, said the increase in the recidivism rate is a cause for worry.

She added that there ought to be some analysis into the length and quality of support during remand, and especially after release.

“The rehabilitation and aftercare service, and period (of rehabilitation) may have to be strengthened and lengthened as this is the period where re-offence is most probable,” said Ms Phua, who is also a Member of Parliament for Moulmein-Kallang GRC.

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