There are certainly some crimes that constitute a prison sentence. Most people will agree that prison certainly has its place when it comes to violent criminals, and even in some cases of non-violent criminal. However, there are instances where the punishment simply doesn’t match the crime. It leads one to the question, “does punishment really prevent crime from happening in the first place?” This is an important question to ask, because it is the whole point of prison. There are actual studies that have shown prison, and particularly long sentences, is not always the answer.
Certainty of Getting Caught is a Strong Deterrence
Isn’t it interesting that research has shown time and time again that the certainty that comes from getting caught committing a crime is a bigger deterrent than the punishment? Most people fear the certainty of getting caught committing crime is more effective than even the harshest punishments.
When Prisons are Effective
If there are criminals that have committed heinous crimes, obviously, they need to be removed from the streets and put behind bars. While prisons can work to keep criminals off the streets, long prison sentences aren’t effective ways to deter crime in the future. There is actually evidence that suggests that long prison sentences actually have the opposite effect on inmates. The time that criminals spend in prison often desensitizes them to the thought of going to prison again.
Correlation of More Police & Less Crime
As mentioned above, the certainty of getting caught is big in deterring crime. The police force plays a large role in this fear. When criminals see a police officer with handcuffs and a gun, it is far more effective in affecting a criminal’s behavior than laws that increase penalties. Strategies like hot spot policing are proving to be extremely effective.
Harsher Punishments Do Not Reduce Crime
For those that are wondering why increased punishment isn’t the answer when it comes to deterring crime, it is important to understand criminal behavior. Many criminals don’t fully understand or know about the sanctions that are in place for specific crimes. If severe punishments aren’t helping to keep individuals from committing crime, why then are we still handing them out?
Age & Crime Relationship
Not only does punishment and certainty usually have some impact on crime, but a person’s age is also a factor that plays a role in crime. People that are younger are usually more prone to committing crime than older people. Data shows that there is decline in crime once a person reaches the age of 35.
Please Help Free Kyle Kimoto!
The research that is being discussed above can be particularly painful when you have a loved one that is in the midst of a punishment that is far more severe than it should be. For instance, the punishment our father Kyle Kimoto is experiencing is simply far too severe for the crime that he has been accused of. To be serving a 30 year prison sentence for a first time offense of a non-violent crime is not just or fair.
Please Consider Writing a letter to the President asking that he lower our Dad’s Unfair 30 Year Sentence.