What happened to .. “with hard labour” ?
Posted by Big John on October 25, 2012
In the same week that clueless Cameron has been waffling on about crime and punishment, and coming up with the usual half-baked ideas about rehabilitation etc. up pops this example of life behind bars in Britain today. No wonder so many people feel that prison does not work !
So what is the answer ? … Well, obviously… Make prison work ! … by making life ‘inside’ so uncomfortable that criminals will not wish to return for a second term. Then stop the early release scheme so that prisoners know that ten years will mean ten years and not five as is the case now, and that ’life’ will mean the rest of their ‘natural’ !
I know that in a perfect world all thieves, rapists, murderers and feckless lowlifes now serving time would be rehabilitated and rejoin society as decent citizens, but unfortunately this is not a perfect world and I doubt if the majority of them will ever change their ways, unless they dread being ‘banged up’ again for at least double their last sentence.
Having said this, I feel that those ex-prisoners who do wish to leave a life of crime behind them should be helped in every way possible including training to improve their education and social skills, so that they stand a better chance of finding employment.
In the meantime I expect that repeat offenders on their way to HMP Haverigg are demanding …
… a cell with a view !
Ginnie said
Finding a middle road around this problem is almost impossible, John. I have two friends who are both out of prison for over 30 years and have done amazing good works in that time. They both were rehabilitated in prison … but the percentage of good outcomes is miniscule so it makes one wonder if it’s worth it.
rummuser said
All societies are doing something seriously wrong with imprisonments. The inmate population is growing constantly and we seem to be stuck with a no win situation. Here is a very touching clip on a related matter which may well provide clues to your quandary. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76s6uuUVIDk
Gabbygeezer said
I favor treating prisoners humanely, but coddling them does no good. They should be offered the chance to work to gain improved job skills and better educations. If they choose not to participate in their own rehabilitation–keep ‘em behind bars and forget where the key is kept.