One school of thought holds that when there is an increasingly prisons which are constructed to house convicts globally for the time being, long-term imprisonment is the key to solve the crime problem. While I acknowledge the belief for this reasons, I still argue that psychologocial assistance is required.
On the one hand, it is understandable why some people believe that longer sentences can resolve the crime problem. The key rationale in favor of this thinking is that it may disincentive future criminals. For those terrorist or juveniles deliquent who commit petty theft, they know that they are going to receive punishment that fits their crimes. Grave offender who act a murder or a rape, on the other hand, may risk their eternal freedom.
Thus, it ensure individuals to think twice before acting crimes. In addition to this, criminers, especially for those who rob a house or commit or murder, cannot live alongside ordinary citizens of society because they may pose a threat to law-abiding citizens. For this reasons, the belief that long-term custodial sentences can solve the problem of crime seems perfectly justifiable.
On the other hand, despite the fact that long sentences brings good impact, the assistance of psychological holds great significance. To begin with, instead of serving them for their whole life, the governments should support them to rehabilitate into the society as a productive members. By enhacing their mental health and providing training that uphold them to re-assimilate into society rather than constructing new prisons, the governments can save a lot of money which may be a financial burden for taxpayers and prevent repeat offenders upon release. Furthermore, imprisonment can disrupt long-term relationships. When a member of a family is serving time, family may fall apart. Therefore, governments should impose a policy that legalize non- custodial sanctions.
In conclusion, while long- term imprisonment brings good impacts, I strongly believe that psychological assistance and reintegrating programs can offer a more sustanable soultion to prevent recidivism and the root causes of criminal behavior.