Punishment Unveiled: A Criminological Inquiry into Penal Perspectives

What is punishment and its goals within the criminal justice system? How effective is punishment in deterring individuals from offending and reoffending? How do cultural and societal norms influence the perception and implementation of punishment? Approaching these questions from a law-and-order perspective is insufficient for a holistic understanding of the complexities of crime, punishment, and justice.

This course offers a comprehensive examination of punishment from various criminological perspectives. It delves into the theoretical foundations, historical evolution, and contemporary applications of punishment within the criminal justice system, including Singapore’s. By exploring the social, political, and ethical dimensions of punishment, learners will critically analyze the role of punishment in deterring crime, rehabilitating offenders, and maintaining social order. This includes evaluating its effectiveness, fairness, and impact on individuals and society. Through case studies and discussions, learners will develop a nuanced understanding of punishment as a complex and multifaceted aspect of criminology.

This 2-day workshop will equip participants to:

·      Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the historical development and theoretical foundations of punishment within the context of criminology.

·      Analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of various forms of punishment, as well as the effectiveness of Singapore’s penal system, in achieving the goals of crime prevention, offender rehabilitation, and maintaining social order.

·      Apply criminological theories and concepts to analyse case studies and real-world examples related to punishment and penal perspectives.

·      Reflect on personal values and beliefs related to punishment.

·      Practitioners in the criminal justice system, including law enforcement officers, who seek a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of punishment.

·      Social workers, counsellors, and practitioners in the social service sector who work with offenders and wish to enhance their understanding of the factors influencing punishment and rehabilitation.

·      Individuals interested in gaining a broader understanding of how cultural and societal factors influence the implementation of punishment within a specific legal framework.

“I have been very impressed with this course as there was a totally professional approach to class engagement and he very quickly identified our needs, offering a 1st class training course. There was excellent communication from him that gave us confidence in our work every step of the way. I would not hesitate to recommend this course.”– Khalil Hamid, Senior Security Officer for CISCO

“Not only is the trainer very helpful and friendly, he has a good understanding of the subject due to his extensive practical experience; and even more importantly, a good understanding of how to work with us as participants during the two-day course.”– Roland Dermott, Systems Analyst for SGX Singapore

“Very professional and also very approachable. The trainer kept in touch with everyone in class and made sure our needs were met. If I needed to chat about industry trends, she made time for me. Also, she has a very good understanding of my industry.” – Holly See, Security Training Manager, Singapore Customs

Anil is currently an associate lecturer and academic coach with 13 years of experience at various government and private institutions. He is a highly versatile educator and trainer in the areas of Psychology, Sociology, Counselling, and Public Safety and Security.

As a mental wellness coach, Anil is a passionate advocate of mental wellness in schools, workplaces, and personal life. He aspires to motivate organisations and individuals to develop a culture of mental wellness for the staff and clients.

Prior to lecturing full-time, Anil was a Community Outreach Manager with the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), Institute of Mental Health (IMH), and an Executive Director of a community drug rehabilitation centre. 

Anil holds a Master of Social Sciences from National University of Singapore (NUS), a Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences (Professional Counselling) from Swinburne University of Technology (SUT), and a Graduate Certificate in Teaching & Assessing Adult learners from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).