Crimes of Violence and Public Policy - Changing Directions (From American Violence and Public Policy, P 41-62, 1985, Lynn A Curtis, ed. - See NCJ-97462)

• NCJ Number: 97464
• Author(s): E Currie
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: Yale University Press
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

An analysis of public policies for dealing with violent crime concludes that the recent trend toward increased incarceration and the liberal period that preceded it have both failed to control violent crime and that new public policies should focus on the development of the individual, the family, and the social reconstruction of the community.

Abstract

The 1969 Violence Commission report recommended doubling resources for criminal justice and increasing social welfare efforts directed at disadvantaged groups. Although the commission report pinpointed some of the underlying causes of violent crime, its solutions are inappropriate. Although improving the criminal justice system's functioning would be desirable, it will have only a small effect on crime rates. In addition, focusing on the justice system diverts attention from the family, the socialization process, and the community. These institutions are important factors in generating or preventing crime and should be the focus of future strategies. Alternatives to punishment are needed for high-risk individuals. Families need interventions that help parents better manage their lives and raise their children. These have been shown to cost little and have great promise. Community institutions and organizations also need major efforts. Particularly needed is public planning for urban economic development to increase substantially the employment, income, and other material supports for the disadvantaged. These efforts may reduce both the violent crime and the deterioration in the quality of life accurately predicted by the Violence Commission. Forty-five notes are supplied.