Basic Needs of Inmates
Find out more about inmates' safety, well-being, conduct and discipline during their incarceration.
Last updated on 18 September 2026
Singapore Prison Service (SPS) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates and will provide for their basic needs.
Safety, Conduct and Discipline
Rules and regulations are in place within prison institutions to maintain safety, security and discipline. A safe and secure prison environment supports inmates in focusing on their rehabilitation, while officers carry out their duties and volunteers feel assured while engaging inmates.
Family members can also support inmates by encouraging them to follow prison rules and participate in the rehabilitation programmes available to them.
Inmates who are alleged to have committed institutional offences will undergo an investigation. This may include taking statements from the complainants, witnesses and the accused, as well as reviewing all evidence relevant to the case.
A Superintendent, who is not from the institution where the inmate is housed at, will preside over the case. The Superintendent will consider all facts of the case, before determining whether the inmate is guilty and, where applicable, the punishments to be imposed.
Meals
Inmates are provided with three meals daily. Meals are planned based on a dietitian's recommendations to meet nutritional requirements.
Breakfast may include bread with a spread and a hot beverage. Lunch and dinner consist of a staple, such as rice or noodles, accompanied by other dishes and fruits.
Special dietary requirements are also considered, where applicable. For example, appropriate dietary arrangements may be made for inmates with specific dietary requirements.
Basic Necessities
Inmates will be issued with the following necessities:
Kit Box
Clothing
Slippers
Towels
Eating utensils and mug
Toiletries
Sleeping mat and blankets
These are washed, replenished or exchanged on a regular basis.
Medical Care
SPS works with its medical service provider to attend to inmates’ medical needs. There are daily in-house clinics on weekdays, where Prison Medical Officers (PMO) will attend to inmates who require medical attention. After office hours, on weekends and on public holidays, nurses and an on-call PMO are available.
Inmates who feel unwell may alert any prison officer at any time and they will be referred to medical staff for examination. Where necessary, inmates may also receive first aid and other medical attention from trained prison officers while awaiting medical staff.
Where assessed to be necessary by the PMO, inmates may be referred to public healthcare institutions for management of more complex medical issues. Inmates who have concerns about the medical assistance they receive may approach prison officers.