Get Tough on Crime Has Failed
For more than two decades, small minded politicians have touted “get tough” policies to deal with the problem of violent crime in America. These policies have been a dismal failure. Not only has getting tough not made our communities safer, according to the FBI, violent crime actually increased in 2006. This increase shows that “get tough” was never anything more than a political slogan. America deserves a crime prevention program based on an objective analysis of potential solutions.
In California, the government spends more on prisons than it does on public universities. This emphasis on incarceration places a tremendous financial burden on taxpayers. First we hire the police officers that track down suspects. Then we hire attorneys, judges and juries to try criminal cases. Finally we pick up the bill for all the costs of confinement in our burgeoning prison system. While in prison, convicts do not pay taxes or contribute to the support of their families. Victims often require assistance as well. And when convicts get released, they typically return immediately to a life of crime.
American crime prevention programs cling to the outdated notion that tough punishment for criminals will deter potential lawbreakers from acting on their evil impulses. Unfortunately criminal violence often emerges from circumstances of anger or intoxication. Deterrence has little effect on people who are inebriated, emotionally unhinged, suicidal or mentally impaired. Some people are dangerous because they react to every stressful situation with violence. Physical confrontation is a way of life.
A more proactive approach is needed. Focusing on eliminating domestic violence would be a good start. Kids learn from their parents. Parents who resolve their disputes by physically assaulting each other are teaching this behavior to their children. And the cycle of violence repeats itself in the next generation.
crime, domestic violence, get tough, crime prevention, criminal justice
October 17th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Well said!
October 18th, 2007 at 5:47 am
[…] that have an immediate visceral appeal to easily distracted voters. When it comes to violent crime, “get tough” is the slogan. Everyone immediately knows that this means long prison sentences or death for the […]