NCJ Number
109199
Date Published
1987
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This monograph argues that reliance on punishment to deter crime has failed as social policy in the United States.
Abstract
The author observes that the 'get tough' policies used against criminals during the past 15 years have not resulted in fewer crimes and a safer society. Instead, the number of incarcerated offenders has increased from 200,000 per day in the early 1970's to 500,000 per day at present. The United States has the highest incarceration rate of any free nation. Most of those who have been imprisoned are neither rehabilitated nor deterred from committing future crimes. More low rate offenders than career criminals have been incarcerated. The author argues that fear of incarceration or punishment cannot succeed as the central strategy for the American criminal justice system. Instead, he proposes the employment of alternative measures that are less harsh. Imprisonment should be used sparingly, even for violent offenders, he argues. He proposes alternatives such as intensive supervision; fines and restitution; community service; and residential centers offering mental health services, drug and alcohol detoxification, job training, and education. The author concludes that major reforms in American economic and social life are necessary to deter lawbreaking. 26 footnotes.