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While the UK and much of the world struggles with overcrowded prisons, the Netherlands has the opposite problem. It is actually short of people to lock up. In the past few years 19 prisons have closed down and more are slated for closure next year. How has this happened - and why do some people think it's a problem?
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"In the Dutch service we look at the individual," says Van der Spoel."If somebody has a drug problem we treat their addiction, if they are aggressive we provide anger management, if they have got money problems we give them debt counselling. So we try to remove whatever it was that caused the crime. The inmate himself or herself must be willing to change but our method has been very effective. Over the last 10 years, our work has improved more and more."
He adds that some persistent offenders - known in the trade as "revolving-door criminals" - are eventually given two-year sentences and tailor-made rehabilitation programmes. Fewer than 10% then return to prison after their release. In England and Wales, and in the United States, roughly half of those serving short sentences reoffend within two years, and the figure is often higher for young adults.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by driverless on Saturday November 12 2016, @09:28AM
Getting caught with a joint was often the first "offense". The young jackass never should have been locked up - ticket the little jerk, and let him come to court to talk to the judge. "Young man, marijuana is illegal, and you've got to pay for having marijuana in your possession. You'll do 160 hours community service, and take a course in drug abuse. You'll be fined $500, but I'll suspend that portion of your sentence if you stay out of trouble."
"Young man, you're sentenced to 160 hours community service for wasting police and court time making us prosecute you for something as insignificant as owning a bit of weed. Next time for fscks sake don't get caught so we can focus on catching actual criminals".
(Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Saturday November 12 2016, @10:32AM
LOL - you've changed the focus a little bit, but we're on the same page. Laws are being passed all around this country, decriminalizing marijuana. I love that. It never made sense to pay cops to chase stupid kids who just want to "feel good". Stupid, stupid, stupid.