NCJ Number
157019
Date Published
1995
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This is a collection of writings about public opinion on what constitutes effective crime policies.
Abstract
According to a 1994 survey conducted by a panel of the US Senate Judiciary Committee, prison wardens uniformly reject the popular crime-fighting solutions suggested by the Federal Government. Instead, they call for additional prevention programs, smarter use of prison resources, repeal of mandatory minimum sentences, and expansion of alternatives to incarceration. Other Federal Government surveys indicate that mandatory minimum sentences and other policies that substantially increase reliance on incarceration are costly and ultimately ineffective ways to combat many crimes, particularly nonviolent crimes. Alternative forms of punishment for nonviolent offenders that cost less but still hold criminals accountable, such as community-based corrections plans, will free up prison and jail space so that violent, predatory criminals can be kept off the streets. Crime prevention is also of concern to the public. Research gives weight to the argument that youth crime prevention programs work, and cost less in the long run than punishment programs.