I'm sure that no-one wants a long discussion on the CJS here, that's what Jet Blast is for, and why I don't bother to visit it, but the fact (yes FACT ) is that prison/youth custody doesn't work. It is far less effective in reducing offending than community penalties, and often increases offending behaviour.
This isn't a political opinion, it's fact based on the best statistics we have. Daily Mail readers can huff and puff all they like, on this issue they are basing their opinions on prejudice and belief, not fact.
If custody increases liklihood to offend, and middle England doesn't want community penalties, what realistic alternatives are there? Hand-chopping? Flogging? Showing kids that violence is wrong by committing an act of violence on them?
We in the CJS would love to find a way to reduce criminality...that is our raison d'etre...but no-one seems to have found the magic solution yet.
W