My life experience in Changi Prison (Cluster B)

[Gara]

I am looking for volunteers as English Text editors for my SPS website and future real-life stories report.

Must be superb strong in english

Not much commitment required as it will be homebased and commit it on your freetime.

I am also looking for volunteers as writers whom can meet-up ex-convicts and writeout their life story at your free time.


If you are someone who loves helping people with no returns and had been influenced by me..

Join SPS now. Contact me for details.

Thanks

[Santaclaws]

Originally Posted by Gara

I may be poor and still in bad financial status now but not as poor as people from third-war countries who have to fought for food for survival! I am not suffering alone, there are others who are facing the same fate and other’s even worse till we can never imagine!

Well said, one of the many tragic news in third world countries
http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/Pa...812160158.aspx
Those young boys made a worse mistake compared to you.

One of the key thing in happiness is being contented in life. As long as you are still healthy without any long term medical condition to prevent you from enjoying the basic things in life, you CAN be happy.
Hope you can overcome this "debt" monster soon ... take care

[Gara]

贪婪是人类的天性。因此，不管是凡人还是圣人，都无法彻底根除自己贪婪的心理，无法抑制自己贪 婪的天性，无 法消除自己贪婪的念头。 所有事业有成和事业成功的人物，都必须要有适当的企图心或者说是贪念，毕竟，激发出人类原始的 本能才会推动 人类社会的进步。因此，适当的贪念可以成为一个人事业进步的助推器，也可以成为一个人获取幸福 生活的原始动 力。

问题是如何把自己的贪念保持在适当、 健康和能够自控的范围之内？这是非常需要加强个人修养的。有的人追求的是钱够生活就好，太多的 钱反而会成为 一种负担；有的人则追求财富的无限化，哪怕是“路有冻死骨”也无动于衷；还有的人会用强烈的自 控能力来克制 自己过多的贪念，让自己生活得淡泊恬静。

一个人如果过于贪婪，就很容易被他人利用。作为一个商人，如果贪心不足，那么他在商战中很快就 会败下阵来。 作为一个官员，如果贪无止境，那么他的政治前途也将要丧失。所以，就算是很聪明的人，往往也会 由于贪欲不止 ，只见利而不见害，结果是利益没有得到，祸害反而先来临了。

[joew2005]

Originally Posted by Gara

Thank you bro..I had already banned myself from the casinos after that incident.

Although I am still struggling now in my life, I am more confident and positive in what I am facing and the things I wan to do!

bro,suggest u get yrself registered 4 Self-exclusion.
In tat way,u force yrself 2 be excluded fr entering the casino,

https://www.singpass-services.gov.sg...!1314101729864

[Gara]

Chapter 4.1: 'Yard' Time

“A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life, and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it, and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first pot, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft. She then asked her to take the egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to smell and sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she smelled and tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What's the point, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity- boiling water-but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When trials and adversity knock on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a passive heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside, am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or, am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavour. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you become better and change the situation around you.

When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?


So readers, how do you handle adversity?
Like the CARROT, the EGG, OR the COFFEE BEAN?”

A new day begins in B4, dayroom 3, cell room 629. The morale between me and all my roommates had been established well. As we are all in the same ‘communication channel’, there are no agreement and conflicts between us for the past 1 day lock-up. And this is a day which we are waiting for as there is a 1 hour ‘yard’ activity for all inmates in dayroom 3.

The ’Yard’ room, which is located on the same storey shared by the 3 dayrooms. Inmates from each dayroom will rotate and take turns for ‘yard’ activity. 1st batch will normally start immediately after breakfast.

Announcement had been made through our cell room’s intelcom informing us to get ready for our ‘Yard’ soon after our 9am muster check. The cell room’s door opened 5 minutes later and all the inmates (except those who have reported sick) in dayroom 3 were gathered and headcount by the cookies. One of the house rules is that inmates are not allowed to wear their shirts during ‘Yard’ activity and we are to proceed to the Yardroom without our shirt on. I can see all sorts of scars and tattoos on the inmate’s bodies! Within 5 minutes, we’ve reach the entrance of the Yard room and as usual, we striped ourselves for checking before we enter the Yard room.

Yard room is about the size of 2 basketball courts (More description on Yard room can be found on chapter 2.3). In Yard room, there are one basketball court and a sipat tecok court. Slip-on shoes for exercise, Water cooler and toilets are also available in the Yard room.

Once all inmates (about 120 inmates) are ready and had assembled in the Yard room, we will need to do body stretching led by a cookie first. Once stretching are completed and permission to proceed are given by the prison officer, inmates who are required to shave will proceed to the shaving area while inmates who want to exercise will proceed to collect the socks and shoes at the shelving near the entrance. Hair cutting, fingernails cutter and newspaper are also available for the inmates. House rule for ball games: inmates are only allowed to play basketball with the duration of 30 minutes and another 30 minutes is for sipat tecok. Both courts are not allowed for games at the same time.

What is Sepak Takraw?
Sepak takraw,or known as kick volleyball, is a sport native to the Malay-Thai Peninsula. Sepak takraw differs from the similar sport of volleyball in its use of a rattan ball and only allowing players to use their feet, knee, chest and head to touch the ball.

I spent my first day of Yard walking and observing around. I can see inmates jogging around the courts, inmates doing push-up and sit-up, inmates reading newspapers and inmates from all races and ages playing ball games together.

I can also see inmates sitting at corners, chatting with each others. Unlike the past, inmates nowadays no longer challenged each other using their secret society backgrounds. Most of the inmates will just approach to each other for chatting without minding each other background.

I walked to the notice board which is also located in the Yard room as well. I can see all the house rules and regulations in hardcopy attached within. There are also posters informing inmates about upcoming events and the ones coming soon is a cooking contest and a art design’s contest among the inmates which is organized by Yellow Ribbons and sponsored by other communities. The most important for all inmates for references is the P.S List on the notice board. This P.S list will state all inmate’s ID Number and which prison officer are their P.S.

Note: P.S is inmate’s officer-in-charge. Inmates are to approach their P.S for personal issues and assistances.

After done reading through all the notices on the notice board, I walked to the wall near the toilet and try to view the outside world through those tiny holes on that wall. I can only manage to see some blocks of ‘condominium’ just opposite B4 and nothing much. I was curious as I thought it is impossible to have residents staying nearby CPC. So I approached some LT inmates for information.

Later then I found out that the residents staying in those blocks of ‘Condominium’ are actually the ‘Prison Officers’........


Chapter 4.2: The Prison Officers
--To Be Continued--

[ilurvebitches]

Mine is Cluster B4.. Any brothers used to be from B4?[/QUOTE]

I was frm cluster A4

[Gara]

Originally Posted by ilurvebitches

Mine is Cluster B4.. Any brothers used to be from B4?

I was frm cluster A4[/QUOTE]
Brother from B4.. When u go in one?

[HokkienPeng]

Originally Posted by ilurvebitches

Mine is Cluster B4.. Any brothers used to be from B4?

I was frm cluster A4[/QUOTE]

A4 what year? Still got that lan sai pai ka staff sgt? That one like to zee gui kia. Like to spot inmates room and turn it upside down for no fucking reason.

Your SOP still a lady? That one good and humble.

[Gara]

B4/ HU1 SOP is a indian.. a friendly nice guy.

[ChinKooi]

Bro gara, PS is like inmates' mentor like that ?

Are they nice guys or fierce ?

Will they listen to your personal prob ?

[Gara]

Originally Posted by ChinKooi

Bro gara, PS is like inmates' mentor like that ?

Are they nice guys or fierce ?

Will they listen to your personal prob ?

Wait for the next chapter update.. I am still writing out all the info about the police officers in next chapter.

[Gara]

Any brothers here went in boy's home, or rtc or db before and would like to share your past story?

Any sisters here went in girl's home, or women prison before and would like to share your past story?

If you wish to use your past story to teach the younger generation but lazy or no time to writeout..

Don't worry, my side have ready writters and editors to writeout and post your story behalf of you

Pls pm me and I will get back to you with more information. Thanks!

[Liquid]

Bro I assume the water coming out from the shower tap is all cold water?

[Gara]

Originally Posted by Liquid

Bro I assume the water coming out from the shower tap is all cold water?

Normal tap water temperture.. Will be cold in nite n warm during sunny day

[Gara]

Chapter 4.2: The Prison Officers

You can't change the environment, but you can change yourself..
You can't change the facts, but you can change your attitude..
You can't change the past, but you can change the present..
Can't forsee tomorrow, but you can cherish today..
When you smile to life, life will smile back at you

Don't let your life be filled with too many regrets.....

You can't change the past, but you can change the present..

Let go of the past, better things will follow in the future.
Discard the unncessary burdens, only then will life be better.
Life is short, there is no better reason not to lead it well.
There are so many important things for you to accomplish, so many important people waiting for you to treasure.
Don't look back, for the world ahead is so much more amazing.
Because when i look back, I can point out the road of pain and tears and exclaim proudly that:
"look, this is the path i've walked out from.."

Can't forsee tomorrow, but you can treasure today..

"When facing a crossroad in the forest, I will choose the one with lesser footprints, only then will my life be different."

A road that has been walked by many is often filled with mud and dust.
Why not choose a different road, perhaps the future will too, be different.
Cherish (your) today and tomorrow will definitely be better..

Being curious, I sat down and chat with a group with malay inmates. One of them told me that he used to serve his national service in the Prison Department. He said if anyone wish to sign on as a prison officer during their national service, they will be schedule on a attachment to various institutions. They will on attachment for months for training and need to attend another 28 weeks courses in HTA after the attachment. They will then be posted to institutions that are assigned to them after their graduation and will start out as Personal Supervisors (PS) whereby a group of inmates will be under their care. There are other duties required such as reporting muster checks that they are account for, escort duties, etc…
(Please note the information may not be 100% accurate as the inmate told me that is many years ago).

Another inmate told me that the blocks of condominium beside B4 are one of the welfare for the prison officers, which allows their family members to stay together as well.
Now I have done a research for all of us get to understand more about Prison Officer’s job:

Prison Officers are committed and driven individuals who aspire to be an integral partner in the Criminal Justice System, and protect society through the safe custody of offenders, as well as the rehabilitation of inmates.

• They are seen as our 'Captains of Lives', and are part of a highly trained and motivated team which plays a pivotal role in steering and helping inmates re-integrate into society.
Prison Officers are responsible for helping offenders make right their errant ways and restore their self-respect and confidence. One such role is that of a Personal Supervisor. The Personal Supervisor works with the Housing Unit Officer to maintain good order and discipline among the inmates in the prisons and drug rehabilitation centres. The Personal Supervisor is assigned to oversee a group of inmates. He is required to manage the inmates by engaging them in purposeful and meaningful interactions. This is a foundational posting all Prison Officers go through.

Depending on their aptitude and potential, Prison Officers can be rotated to other job functions (e.g. Intelligence Officer, Programme Support Officer, Security & Provost Officer etc) after their foundational posting. Such job functions will hone the officers’ development and prepare them to assume positions of higher responsibility.

Senior Prison Officers serve a leadership function within the service and are involved in planning and charting the direction of many aspects of the Singapore Prisons Service. They are also expected to take on various roles during their careers, exposing them to the many challenges that the service has to offer.

Depending on their aptitude and potential, Senior Prison Officers can be rotated to other job functions (e.g. Staff Officer, Intelligence Officer, Security & Provost Officer, Counsellor etc) after their foundational posting. Such job functions will hone the officers’ development and prepare them to assume positions of higher responsibility.

Benefits include:
• Special allowance and Retention Payment Scheme for Prison Officer
• Retirement Fund Scheme
• Membership to Prisons Sports & Recreation Club
• Membership to Prisons Multi-purpose Co-operative Society
• 13 months’ salary and variable bonuses
• 14 to 18 days annual leave
• Home renovation, vehicle and computer loans at special rates
• Medical and dental treatment at subsidised rates
• Group Term Insurance Scheme
• Cash vouchers on special occasions
• Access to affordable holiday bungalows, both local and overseas
Applicants with 4 GCE "O" Level or NITEC (formerly NTC-2) would be considered on a case-by-case basis and would be appointed on 3-year contract if shortlisted for the position.

Newly appointed Senior Prison Officers and Prison Officers have to go through 37 & 32 weeks of residential Basic Officer Course at the Home Team Academy, respectively. This will be followed by on-the-job training for 8 weeks. Prison officers will undergo structured professional training with career advancement into operational/ specialised/ staff positions.
The rank structure is:

Corporal → Sergeant → Staff Sergeant → Chief Warder 1 → Chief Warder 2 → Senior Chief Warder Officer 1 → Senior Chief Warder 2

A Senior Prison Officer must have a degree from a recognised University (any discipline).
The rank structure is:

Rehabilitation Officer 1 → Rehabilitation Officer 2 → Asst Superintendent 1 → Asst Superintendent 2 → Deputy Superintendent 1 → Deputy Superintendent 2 → Superintendent → Asst Director → Deputy Director → Director of Prisons
Prison Officers and Senior Prison Officers are committed and driven individuals who aspire to be an integral partner in the Criminal Justice System. They contribute to a safe and secure Singapore by protecting society through the safe custody of offenders, as well as the rehabilitation of inmates.

As a Senior Prison Officer, you will be involved in the planning and charting of direction of the many aspects of the Singapore Prison Service. Their role as a Housing Unit Officer is to maintain discipline and order among the inmates under your charge and help inmates re-integrate into society. They should possess leadership qualities, good communications and analytical skills to be able to motivate and lead your team under your charge.

Prison Officers work closely with Senior Prison Officers to assist them in many of the vital functions of the Department. They are required to manage the inmates by engaging them in purposeful and meaningful interactions and ensuring good order and discipline of inmates. This requires one to possess good interpersonal skills, integrity, being firm and assertive, fairness and flexibility in discharging their duties.

It seems to be a very good prospect joining SPS to work as prison officers, but not to some of the inmates and some of the ex-prison officer’s mindset. They thought prison officer’s life style are not much differences comparing the inmates, as prison officers work, eat and sleep in the prison most of their time. Mentality must be strong for anyone who takes up this job!

Just a advice for anyone who are expected to go prison soon. Please obey your prison officer’s orders and followed the house rules and regulations. Learn and ask from the seniors (inmates whom are 2nd timer or had lock-up for quite some time) when you are in the prison on what to do and which prison officers you should beware of.

Prison officers are working for a living and many are just following orders, which you are only serving your jail term to get back your freedom as soon as possible. So just don’t create any trouble and get yourself into unnecessary punishments by the prison officers.
It is useless to question and challenge the prison rules and regulations. Behave yourself and learn from the ‘seniors’. Prison officers are just following the SOP (Standard Of Operation) set by SPS. Every procedures and prison’s welfare provided to the inmates, there must be various reasons behind. So don’t waste your time on complaining and comparing CPC with other country’s prisons.

Please note the my intention are not promoting for SPS and I do not have any relationship with them. I just hope for those readers who are going in soon, to understand the prison officer's job scropes, to behave yourself and don't get yourself get 'tumba' (extra jail term punishment) which is totally not worth it! And also always bear in mind that you are not going there for ‘holiday’ and it is not a ‘chatlet’ which you expect will have everything you need!

"People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually."

While I am sitting down with the malay inmates and listening to their conversations, one of them suddenly mentioned about RTC and start telling us about his life experience in RTC years back.............



Next Chapter 4.3: Reformative Training Centre (RTC)To Be Continued