Why Prisons?

Many people have asked me this question and I don't think I've thought about it enough. So why Prisons?

Mission

As a key partner in Criminal Justice, we protect society through the safe custody and rehabilitation of offenders, co-operating in prevention and aftercare.

Vision

We aspire to be captains in the lives of offenders committed to our custody. We will be instrumental in steering them towards being responsible citizens with the help of their families and the community. We will thus build a secure and exemplary prison system.

Yes, but why did I join Prisons?

1. To serve society.

The Singapore Prison Service is not an end unto itself. It is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, which in turn is part of the Singapore Civil Service. Even before joining Prisons, I decided that I wanted to work in the public sector.

2. To protect society.

Having decided that I wanted to work in the public sector, Prisons gave me the opportunity to contribute to a safe, secure and stable society. And I personally believe that safety, security and stability comes before anything else.

"You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety." - Job 11:18 (NIV)

"My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." - Isaiah 32:18 (NIV)

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." - Hebrews 6:19-20 (NIV)

For Your covenant is sure
And on this I am secure
I can stand on every promise of Your Word

3. To change society.

With - and only with - safety, security and stability in place, inmates can (and should) change. Here is where I can make a difference to society, one inmate at a time.

With - and only with - the assurance of salvation, we can (and should) 'press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me' (Philippians 3:12, NIV).

Making One's Calling and Election Sure

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love...

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

- 2 Peter 1:3-7, 10-11 (NIV)

Links: 9 Months (9 Oct 10), Today (11 Oct 10)