NCJ Number
111356
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1988) Pages: 14-15
Date Published
1988
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Seven ways to reduce crime and violence in America are outlined.
Abstract
First, as a culture, Americans must stop being preoccupied with violence. Violence is glamorized in movies and on television, in children's toys, and in sporting events. Second, criminal behavior should not be excused by citizens, policymakers, or the criminal justice system. Third, a more equitable way must be found to balance the rights of the accused and the rights of victims. The rights of the accused have been emphasized to the detriment of innocent victims. Fourth, government spending for civil and criminal justice must be increased. Underfunded and understaffed police services must be remedied. Fifth, the process of plea bargaining must be curtailed because it has undermined the integrity of the criminal justice system. Sixth, prison space must be increased. An effective way to increase prison space is to build prisons with money earned by prisons in the sale of prisoner-produced products in inter- and intrastate commerce. A seventh way to reduce crime and violence is to enact gun control.