Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime. Discuss both views and give your opinions.

Globally,

crime

continues to be a pervasive problem. To tackle it, some support longer

prison

terms,

while

others feel that alternative measures, including rehabilitation and education, are better options. In

this

essay, I will examine both views and explain why I feel the programs in

prison

are the key to

crime

prevention. For many, the solution to

crime

seems to be simple; lock criminals up for longer. They claim that by removing dangerous people from societies, citizens are safer. Indeed, when it comes to murderers or violent offenders who show no remorse for their

crime

,

such

as Martin Bryan, a convicted Australian mass murderer, it does seem logical to throw away the key. Supporters of

this

method argue that doing so teaches criminals a lesson, protects society, and serves to deter others as well. Another group,

however

, feel that extending imprisonment is not the answer and that other methods would be more effective. For them, it is more important to treat the underlying causes of the offences. If a criminal is addicted to drugs,

for instance

, simply putting them in

prison

will not prevent them from re-offending upon release.

Instead

, the

prison

program should include substance abuse counselling and rehabilitation. When a prisoner is helped to overcome addiction, manage mental illness or control anger issues, they are much less likely to re-offend upon release. In my view, I agree that alternative measures would be more effective in most situations. Given the high recidivism rates of ex-prisoners, over 80% in some areas,

it is clear that

what happens inside

prison

is important. For the majority of offenders, rehabilitation and education

while

incarcerated could change the course of their life. Indeed, these have proven effective in a country like Norway, where

crime

and re-offending rates plummeted

as a result

.

While

such

programs may be expensive, and perhaps unpopular with taxpayers, ultimately, reforming criminals can benefit society as a whole. In conclusion, lengthening jail terms may seem like a simple and effective solution and a way to keep society safe, at least in the short term. In the long run,

however

, it is necessary to deal with the root causes of criminality and offer an offender a future beyond

crime

.