The Idea of Getting Tougher on Crime

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Getting tougher on crime brings the hope of having less crime within our society. Consequences of crime is what prevents people from committing a crime, but some people bypass the consequences and still convict the crime, does this mean that the consequences that are set are not threatening enough? Do criminals feel like if they get caught the consequences in the end are worth it? With making sentences longer, this will make it less likely for offenders to re-offend. It is important that the public feels safe, and that isn’t always the case when criminals are let out much sooner than what they should be, the public has the fear of being a victim of a re-offender or first time offender. Yet, you still need to look at the other side, where it is thought that we should not be getting any tougher on crime. There are also alternatives, such as getting smart of crime, or creating a tent city such as Sherriff Joe Arpaio has done.

“Punitive sentencing appears to meaningfully reduce crime and re-imprisonment rates for sever offences” (Shaw, 2011). If we increase sentences it will prevent crime because people do not want to spend so much of their life behind bars. It will also help with crime decreasing because once a criminal has committed a crime and has been caught they will spend longer time in jail. This will have them off the streets longer, preventing them from committing crimes, as well as it will give them more time to reflect about their decisions and have a look into their future and see where they what to be, instead of where they are now. “Offenders experience maturation while incarcerated, and older offenders are less likely to re-offend” (Shaw, 2011). Longer sentencing will give criminals time to mature, reflecting on t...

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...as been committed. Along with the victim, the public also needs to feel safe in the community that they are living in. Although there may be down sides to getting tougher on crime such as the costs and over population in prisons, but there can always be a way around these. So in the end getting tougher on crime is the right way to go, it is beneficial for everyone.

Works Cited

Barcley Am, W. (2009, May). Australian journal of forensic science: Getting tough on crime.

Lynch, J.P, Sabol, W.J. (1997, August). Urban Institute: Did Getting Tough on Crime

Pay? Crime Policy Report No.1

McMillion, R. (2014, February). Legal trac infotrac: Getting smarter on sentencing: bipartisan push is on for this criminal justice reform

Shaw, J. (2011, December). Controversies: Should we be tough on crime?.

Warden, C. (2012, July) The Maricopa Arizona County Sherriff

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