Alternatives to prison?

The other variable is, I think the level of poverty, cost of housing and inequality. They all bring with them a level of criminality.

I think it very much depends on whether we see prison as a place for rehabilitation or punishment.

The majority in the country I suspect they see it as a place of punishment and revenge.

However, whether in the long run that is a very intelligent attitude depends on the level of repeat offending, and whether we want to keep society as safe and civilised as possible once the prisoners are freed.

I wonder if making life inconvenient for more minor criminals would work? Banning them from pubs, football matches, cinemas - things like that. Restrictions on travel is another possibility, or a 7.00pm curfew for the length of a sentence.

The sanctions could be tailored to the lifestyle of the offender, so that they don't result in unemployment, and carry equal punishment - I wouldn't care if I couldn't go to football matches, for instance.

The problem with community work is that it needs people to supervise and I don’t think they are always easy to recruit. However, it is a good solution if possible.
I’ve always thought that perhaps, for non violent crimes only, a waiting list system could be put in place, where people are told they will have to go to prison when a place is available. Obviously there would have to be travel restrictions and they would probably have to be given benefits as they would undoubtedly lose their jobs. Would that be cheaper than prison?

Yes Septimia, , but what options can you suggest?

There should be options other than prison for non-violent crimes, unless the person is a repeat offender. Then there might be room for violent criminals to be given longer sentences.

It would be complicated to set up, perhaps, but could be more effective in the long run.

I think that the belief that prison is, itself, an effective punishment is highly questionable.

Working in the community? Cleaning off graffiti, cleaning public toilets, picking up litter,gardening for pensioners etc. Only for non violent prisoners, though and definitely not for rapists or child groomers .