Introduction
Global communities have long worried about crime and its effects. Incarceration has been the most effective way to deter crime and protect communities. However, there is a growing recognition that the conventional method of reducing crime through jail may not be the most successful or sustainable. This discovery has prompted more research on criminal motivations, crime prevention, and rehabilitation methods. One must examine criminal causes, compare American and international prison systems, and explore alternate punishment and rehabilitation strategies to answer whether incarceration is the best approach to fighting crime. Therefore, this research study will determine if incarceration is a suitable criminal solution.
What Drives Someone to Commit a Crime
Criminal behavior has several causes that include both internal and environmental elements. Peer pressure, inequality, and poverty are outside forces that might foster a criminal atmosphere. People may turn to illegal activity due to poverty, unemployment, and a lack of educational possibilities. People may turn to crime as a way of survival or to acquire access to resources they believe are otherwise inaccessible (Mahawar, 2022). Moreover, peer pressure may spur people to commit crimes to fit in or gain endorsement. However, internal causes, such as emotions such as seethe, retaliation, covetousness, envy, and panic, can be a vital factor in criminal activity. Developing efficient crime prevention techniques requires an understanding of these motivating factors.
American Prisons vs. Prisons in Other Countries
The treatment of convicts and guards, the development of “social” circles among the inmate population, and the accessibility of resources inside and outside prisons differ significantly between American prisons and those in other nations. Punitive methods often cause overcrowding and a lack of rehabilitation in American jails. For instance, the US imprisons 716 individuals per 100,000 people. In contrast, other nations emphasize reformative measures, giving prisoners education and job training to reintegrate into society after release. Norway is often described as a society that values rehabilitation over punishment. The goal of Norway’s jail system is to give inmates opportunities for skill development and personal growth (Kirby, 2019). A constructive atmosphere that promotes personal development and change can also be fostered by the sense of belonging and support that can be found inside prisons. Investigating these opposing approaches can reveal areas where the American jail system could be improved.
Alternatives to Incarceration
The purpose of imprisonment as a means of social control has not been accomplished. Despite dropping crime rates, the prison population and recidivism rates have both increased. Investigating alternate strategies is necessary for more successfully combating the crime issue rather than depending simply on jail. Aiming to rehabilitate offenders and reintegrate them into society, non-extreme alternatives may include community service and diversionary programs. According to the Department of Justice Government of Canada’s (2017) research, over three-quarters (79 percent) of Canadians think that diversion could improve the Criminal Justice System’s (CJS) effectiveness, while 69 percent think it could increase efficiency. Alternatives that are frequently used allow for more flexibility while keeping supervision, such as electronic monitoring and probation. In contrast, radical alternatives, like restorative justice procedures and rehabilitation institutions, emphasize mending the damage caused by crime and treating the root causes of criminal behavior. By contributing to these alternatives, we can create a justice system that not as it seeks to punish but also to way better people’s lives.
Thus, it is crucial to assess whether our current technique for anticipating crime is the most viable or whether it is time to embrace more dynamic and compassionate means of justice, given the importance of various factors influencing criminal behavior and the apparent limitations of conventional incarceration. The most critical component of a community is not how well it can punish criminals but how well it can aid lost and bewildered individuals. This reality should be noticed while determining ways to strengthen the administration of justice. We can only break free of the bonds of recidivism and make the world a safer and more welcoming place for everyone if we devise creative and considerate alternatives. Instead of utilizing imprisonment as a solution, this issue requires a more comprehensive strategy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a diversified approach is required to combat crime. Finding a solution to the crime problem requires considering the numerous causes that influence people to commit crimes, comprehending the variations among prison systems globally, and investigating alternatives to jail. It becomes evident that incarceration alone may not be the most effective strategy to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior. A comprehensive plan incorporating elements of punishment, rehabilitation, and social support is required to combat crime effectively. Therefore, we must continually seek to build a justice system that provides individuals with opportunities for personal growth and change, thereby reducing crime rates and creating a safer and more just society.
References
Department of Justice Government of Canada. (2017, October 31). Research at a Glance – Diversion. Www.justice.gc.ca. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/jr/rg-rco/2018/mar01.html
Kirby, E. J. (2019, July 7). How Norway turns criminals into good neighbors. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-48885846
Mahawar, S. (2022, January 11). Causes of crime. IP leaders. https://blog.ipleaders.in/causes-of-crime/
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