Understand, address reasons for recidivism to lower rate

The recidivism rate has increased to its highest since 2003, and with more inmates relapsing into criminal behaviour, questions should be asked of the rehabilitation and aftercare service provided.

The phenomenon has unfortunately persisted, despite efforts by the Singapore Prison Service, the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (Score) and the Yellow Ribbon Project to facilitate training and reintegration.

Member of Parliament Denise Phua could be right that the rehabilitation period may have to be strengthened and lengthened, as this is the period where re-offence is most probable. (“Fewer inmates land jobs before release, as recidivism increases”; Jan 24)

How, though? The recidivism rate was 23.3 per cent for inmates released in 2010 and 27.5 per cent for the 2012 batch.

However, fewer people were sent to prison in the same period, which could account for a lower absolute increase in the number of re-offenders.

Be that as it may, the prison service and parliamentarians should take a long, hard look at the profiles of these re-offenders before determining the efficacy of present measures and the crimes that deserve more attention.

Do former prisoners commit other offences or relapse into the same criminal behaviour? If the latter is more prevalent, what are these types of crimes?

Based on demographics and socio-economic backgrounds, which individuals are more likely to be incarcerated again?

Beyond quantitative analyses, what do qualitative exchanges with these inmates yield? Are there trends in their narratives or struggles?

Some people may insist that prisons are meant for punishment and deterrence, though they would be hard-pressed to disagree that focusing on education and rehabilitation is especially helpful for the disenfranchised. These benefits are shared by everyone.

That more employers are now registered with Score — 4,433 last year, up from 3,876 in 2013 — reflects a commitment to this cause.

We could take solace that our recidivism rate is relatively low.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported in 2012 that rates could reach 70 per cent or more, including in some prisons within the United Kingdom.

If we continue our focus on understanding and addressing the reasons for recidivism and helping those who have relapsed, we could perhaps match the rates of the best countries, such as Norway, at 20 per cent.