Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts, 36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963. Tel: 3757794/5
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OPENING ADDRESS BY ASSOC PROF HO PENG KEE, MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND HOME AFFAIRS, AT THE POLICE LONG SERVICE & GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL AND POLICE GOOD SERVICE MEDAL PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD ON 20 MAY 97, 10.30 AM AT THE SINGAPORE LABOUR FOUNDATION AUDITORIUM
Officers of the Prisons Department, Ladies and Gentlemen
Good Morning
Medal Recipients
I am delighted to be here today to present the Singapore Police Service Long Service & Good Conduct Medals and Singapore Police Service Good Service Medals to 65 senior Prisons officers and 315 junior Prison officers.
I congratulate the recipients whose efficient and loyal service have contributed to the progress of the Department. At a time when correctional institutions worldwide are beset with problems which sometimes manifest themselves in riots and escapes, your professionalism has enabled the Prison Department to maintain a high level of discipline amongst its inmates.
Home Team Membership
You have done well but you can do even better. As a member, you can leverage off the strengths of other Home Team members. The Home Team concept, launched earlier this year, is more than just teamwork. Operating as a member of the Home Team means having a Shared Vision for the MHA Group, thinking as a Group and learning how to make necessary changes. This is important as the work of the two statutory boards and eight Departments, including Ministry HQ, are closely inter-linked. I am confident that the Home Team will achieve its Vision of attaining world-class standards in professionalism, operational excellence and service quality. It is important that this Group Vision is shared at the Departmental level and for each officer to know that, whatever his rank or job, he or she is part of a bigger enterprise with a vital role to play.
World Class Prison Service
To attain world-class status, Prisons must practise continuous learning and improve its work processes through the active contribution of its staff. All officers, including the frontline staff, must participate in work planning so that they have a clear understanding of the vision, mission, values and goals. Soon, you will see a revamp in operations, training and manpower development with greater emphasis on organisational learning, effective teamwork and empowerment. We will re-design jobs to give you the greater challenges that will enable you to realise your place in the Home Team Vision.
To achieve the Home Team vision of becoming a world class organisation, MHA has identified 5 organisational thrusts. These are :
a. Effective operations in peacetime and emergency
b. Quality Service to the public
c. Developing new capabilities - in terms of infrastructure,
technology, skills and systems
d. Building on our people assets
e. Adopting a new operating model for MHA and MHQ
People Are Our Assets
I would like to take this opportunity to focus on nurturing our human resources. Prison officers have the potential and talent to go far. You take on an important responsibility because your actions and decisions affect the lives of inmates and, indirectly, their families. As such, the Department is determined to develop and nurture each officer to his or her fullest potential.
An Illustration
Let me illustrate. In August 1995, the charting of individual career paths for Senior Officers was introduced. The scheme, which is being introduced over a three-year period, comprises 2 stages:
Stage 1 - Preliminary Briefing Stage
Senior Officers are briefed on the concepts and merits of career planning to the individual and organisation. A survey is then conducted to ascertain the officers' values and behavioural styles. Officers can raise any questions/issues pertaining to their career development.
Stage 2 - Individualised Career Counselling Stage
At this stage, a series of individualised career counselling sessions is conducted with the officer to match his or her goals with organisational needs. After the first session, a draft career plan will be prepared based on inputs from the officer's reporting officer and mentor. Subsequent sessions will firm up the career plans and goals of the officer.
Junior Officers will not be left out. Prisons will be introducing a comprehensive scheme to manage the career paths of direct-entry CPLs and high calibre Junior Officers. Direct-entry CPLs and officers who attain A level/diplomas from recognised institutions during the course of their service will be considered for conversion to the Senior Officer grade if they perform well or display high potential.
Junior Officers' Allowance Scheme
The Junior Officers' Special Allowance Scheme was first introduced in 1990 as part of the Prison Service salary revision. Known then as the "Hardship allowance", the monthly payment of $150 compensated Junior Prison Officers for having to work in an unpleasant environment. It became a two-tier scheme in 1994, whereby Junior Officers with less than three years of service received $150 while those who had served longer received $250.
Today, I am pleased to announce an enhanced three-tier Special Allowance Scheme for Junior Officers. Beginning next month, officers with less than three years' service will receive $100 extra, a total of $250 monthly. At the second tier, officers in their third to sixth year of service will receive $50 more monthly, with an allowance of $300. In addition, officers who complete six years of service will receive a lump-sum $4,000 Special Gratuity. This Special Gratuity will be distinct from the gratuity payable to Contract Junior Officers upon completion of their six-year contract. Finally, junior officers who have served seven years or more will receive a $350 monthly allowance.
Conclusion
At a time of rapid change, the Department needs the whole-hearted commitment of every officer to cope with the challenges ahead. I am confident that you will rise to the occasion and do Prisons and the Home Team proud. The Home Team is undergoing an exciting transformation. Don't be left behind. Be part of it.