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We can spend money on education or on prisons. Research has shown for many years that education is the better investment.

Mandatory sentences for non-violent crimes have a serious downside most people are not aware of. The longer a person is in prison, the lower their probablility of successfully reintegrating back into the community. Measure 11 has created career criminals by forcing many youth, particularly young men, to spend too many of their formative years living with adult criminals. Outcomes are much better when these youth a diverted into programs that deal with the underlying issues (criminogenic factors).

There are two kinds of people in prison: those who are a threat to society and those we are simply mad at. We need to find alternatives for dealing more effectively with the latter group.

posted 3 years, 8 months ago
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