World Correctional Institutions in the COVID-19 Pandemic

A global analysis of correctional institutions during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19 Statistics

Singapore

Pre-Conviction

Post-Conviction: Parole

Post-Conviction: Decarceration

Number of Individuals Released due to COVID-19 Concerns: N/A Number of Individuals Released due to COVID-19 Concerns: N/A Number of Individuals Released due to COVID-19 Concerns: N/A
Source: N/A Source: N/A Source: N/A
Last Updated: N/A Last Updated: N/A Last Updated: N/A

COVID-19 Infections in Correctional Institutions: Incarcerated Individuals

COVID-19 Infections in Correctional Institutions: Administration and Staff

COVID-19 Positive: 5 COVID-19 Positive: 2
Hospitalizations: 0 Hospitalizations: 0 
Fatalities: 0 Fatalities: 0
Source: Channel News Asia Source: Channel News Asia
Last Updated: 10/08/2020 Last Updated: 10/08/2020

Singapore

 

Government Type: Parliamentary Republic

Provinces: N/A

Description of the Correctional System Administration: The criminal justice system in Singapore is known for its harsh sentences. Crimes often carry corporal punishments including caning and drug offenses can carry death sentences. An accused person is given a trial and they have the right to counsel. Individuals convicted of a crime and sentenced to incarceration serve thier sentances at Singapore's only one prison. The prison system is managed by the Singapore Prison Service.

Correctional Administration in Singapore

Bail

Release from pre-trial detention upon bail is available in Singapore, though not all offenses are Bailable. Crimes that may include life or death sentences are never bailable. A list of bailable offenses can be found at https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/CPC2010?ProvIds=Sc1-#Sc1- . There is no information suggesting Singapore has changed its bail practices or procedures in response to Covid-19. 

 

Trials

Most trials and court proceedings schedule between April 13, 2020 and May 13, 2020 were postponed. However, essential proceedings went forward. Essential proceedings included initial appearances within 48 hours of arrest, applications for the remand of accussed persons, appeals that involve caning of someone about to turn 50, applications to stay executions, child custody matters, and trials that must go forward in the interest of justice. Most trials are being conducted virtually. 

 

Sentencing

There is no evidence suggesting that Singapore has adjusted its sentencing structure in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Singaporean government has stated that the criminal justice system to be fully operational and "continues to function in these extraordinary times."  https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/crime-fighting-covid-19-precautions-prisons-police-station-court-12658234

On May 20, 2020, to the dismay of human rights groups, the Singapore Supreme Court sentenced a man convicted of a drug offense to death in a court proceeding held over the video conference app Zoom. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52739676

 

Covid 19 Specific Crimes

Singapore adopted strict social distancing and quarantine measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of these measures were punishable by incarceration themselves.

Parole Overview

A Conditional Remission Order (CRO) in Singapore is an analog to parole as it is understood in the United States. A CRO is issued by the Commissioner of Prisons and allows for an incarcerated persons early release from prison with attached conditions. A CRO is only available after two thirds of a prison sentence has been served. CROs are not available for all offenses. https://singaporelegaladvice.com/law-articles/parole-early-prison-release-singapore/

Parole in Response to Covid-19

There is no data suggesting a change in CRO/Parole administration in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

There is no data suggesting that Singapore has used decarceration to address the Covid-19 pandemic in its prisons.

Resources