Response to Bernard McKay's letter, "Time to get tough on crime."
I strongly disagree with Mr. McKay's proposition that we need to get tough on crime in order to remove Prince George's infamous title as the "Worst City for Criminal Activity."
The "tough on crime" theory refers to a set of policies that emphasize punishment as a primary, and often sole, response to crime. We are led to believe, as we often are, that "justice" equals a reaction from our criminal justice system meaning charges, sentences and jail time.
More justice therefore necessitates more jail time. Gangs and violence in our communities are serious and complex issues. In contrast to what "tough on crime" theorists would have us believe, sending people to jail for longer does not solve these issues or make our communities safer.
Mr. McKay believes that crime rates will drop if we introduce mandatory minimum sentences and take away most of the discretionary powers of judges. Research clearly shows that mandatory minimums do not deter crime. Additionally, mandatory minimums drain away funds available for social programs that prevent crime. Once the crime has been committed, judges are forced to impose the legislated sentence and are not able to address the particularities and complexities of each case.
Longer sentences are not effective in reducing crime, and longer stints in prison may actually increase the likelihood of re-offending. If we start building more prisons that are harsh places, that do not tolerate insubordination or prison gang activity, it will send our justice system into a downward spiral that is plaguing many U.S. states.
Increased funding for prisons, more "tough on crime" laws passed, increased incarceration, increased funding, increased crime. I would hate to see Canada get caught in this never-ending system. All of this money will have to be diverted from communities and important crime-prevention pillars such as social services, education, and health care.
What we need is a long-term, workable strategy for actually reducing crime. It involves community support including housing, programs for youth, anti-racism initiatives, increase in welfare rates, community mediation, education, employment training and the list goes on.
Put in some of the $10 billion dollars spent on prisons, police and courts each year in Canada and with a little patience, Prince George will become a safer, healthier and more inclusive place to live.
Kyle Van Mulligen
Prince George
