Inmate stressed by long sentence, family's disappointment finds comfort in supportive prison officer

SINGAPORE: Ethan keeps his days busy by exercising regularly, mingling with friends and playing board games like Scrabble and chess.

Ethan says he is grateful that most of his time in prison is filled with work, amid struggles with the duration of his sentence. Ethan is thankful for anything that keeps him busy. For instance, his job as a trainer to other inmates requires him to plan courses in advance and review them. He is also grateful for prison officers who are willing to listen to his problems.

The latter involves getting inmates to come up with an action plan for their time in prison and beyond, asking them about their well-being and needs, monitoring their progress, and proactively engaging them regarding their challenges. RO Kwang, who joined SPS two-and-a-half years ago after he studied criminology in university and was intrigued by theories behind prison and rehabilitation, counts Ethan as one of 15 inmates he is in charge of.

"During the visit, my parents actually expressed their heartache and disappointment over me, and it affected me badly because after the visit, I got upset and angry with my myself for disappointing my parents," he said."I’m willing to share because I can sense that he’s really willing to help me, and he’s patient in listening to my problems," Ethan said.

For instance, when Ethan needed to print out some grammar exercises as part of his course materials, RO Kwang helped him out even though he did not need to. While RO Kwang said he wants to show inmates he is willing to help and listen to them, he tries to"draw a fine line" in their relationship. "When I checked with him, he was very angry and disappointed and even raised his voice when he replied me," RO Kwang said.

It is something he plans to continue doing even after he is released, as he vowed to also volunteer as a prison counsellor to help other inmates turn over a new leaf. "I know I have my shortcomings. The most important thing is to stay out of drugs and to live a life that does not put drugs and money as a priority," he said.

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