Some new thinking needs to be done when individuals commit serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, rape, robbery etc. Usually there is a big demand that these individuals or groups be thoroughly punished by incarcerating them in prison for life or by executing them.
The fear of punishment does not, however, deter others from committing the same or worse crimes.The primary goal for investigation should, however, be to find a way to prevent the reoccurrence of the same or similar crimes and to make sure that persons who commit crime will not commit the same or other crimes. Punishment for the criminal will accomplish little. Finding a way to turn the criminal into a productive citizen is a far better goal. However, some hardened criminals can not be returned normal citizenship so ways to make them productive without endangering others should be sought. They should be made to pay for their board and keep. They should also pay restitution and damages for losses they caused as a result of their crimes
The environment and life style in which some young people are forced to live in can be a primary cause for the expanding crime rate. Such conditions should be eliminated even at considerable cost. Single mothers who are working and trying to be a mother to a family should be given help so that they can be with their children and keep them out of trouble when they are not in school. Young people should be provided with means to use their free time in ways that are healthy and productive. Jobs for high school graduates should be assured by government programs to help them become employable by industry. Christian churches could provide new and
inspiring programs to help young people find ways to a better future and ways to get out of poverty. .
Robert W. Smeaton
Mr.Smeaton believes that a change in thinking is needed for prevention of crime. These are some of his thoughts.
1/24/03