How to reduce crimes is always a hot topic around the world. Some people believe that the criminals should spend more time in prison for the other’s security, some other people argue that alternative methods could be taken to reduce the crime rate, rather than extend the prison sentences. I think reducing crimes is not just a matter of policing or law, we can only reduce the crime if we can solve the problems of our society.
Extension of prison sentences is an easy way to reduce crimes. The logic behind it is straightforward: if there are more criminals inside of the prison, there will be less outside. For example, in some countries like Singapore, criminals, especially violent criminals could be sentenced for decades or even get life-long sentences, which makes Singapore one of the most secure country around the world.
While some other people do not agree with that. They argue that we should delve deeply into the causes of criminals. The number of the crimes will be no less if the society environment do not change, even if all criminal activities lead to severe consequenses. Methods like providing free education or social welfare can be taken so that people have no economical reason to commit crimesm. For example, in some countries like Sweden, the crime rate is very low because almost everyone have a decent jobs and get well paid.
In my opinon of view, we should delve deeply into the causes of crimes. Criminals cannot be exterminated by simply longer sentences. We should focus on the structrual economic and social factors behind the illegal activities so that we can truly extinguish crimes. In conclusion, I believe that the key factor to reduce crime is on the side of the economy and society, not the prison.