Justice reinvestment is now a topic of heated debate. Notably, officials, scholars, and policymakers tend to agree that it is an effective way to reduce the crime rate. Though, there are people who still believe that the old system with its prisons and regulations is more effective. Therefore, it is essential to identify the major advantages of the new approach and its benefits for communities.
In the first place, it is necessary to note that the existing system has proved to be ineffective. The US prisons are overcrowded. Hence, expenses on maintenance of prisons increase. At the same time, the rate of crime does not reduce. On the contrary, it steadily increases. It is also important to note that inmates often acquire more connections with the criminal world in prisons and continue committing crimes when they are released (Wright 20). Wright also notes that prisons are outdated institutions and are still tolerated due to a lack of knowledge about them (20). The researcher stresses that prisons contributed greatly to the increase of criminal activity as inhumane conditions in prisons and stigmatization of former inmates make people commit crimes that are often more serious than their first offenses. More so, former inmates have to bear a certain stigma and it is difficult for them to become respectable members of society. It is but natural that the system has to be changed significantly and justice reinvestment is the most efficient option.
Justice reinvestment entails the reduction of expenditure on prisons maintenance and reallocation of these funds to the development of communities. Hence, this approach focuses on the cause of the problem rather than on its effects (Fox, Albertson, and Wong 27). Neighborhood characterized by underinvestment and poverty of the population is often characterized by a high rate of crime. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in the development of neighborhoods rather than waste money on the maintenance of inmates.
Admittedly, it is vital to focus on the economic development of communities. The government should try to decrease the unemployment rate. People should also have access to health care services that are affordable and efficient. Remarkably, it is possible to create jobs while developing the infrastructure of neighborhoods.
Funding development of neighborhoods should address such spheres as education and recreation as well. Children and especially teenagers must have access to high-quality education, both secondary and higher. Building sports and recreational facilities will also be beneficial for the community. It will help reduce the unemployment rate and keep away teenagers from criminal activities. Thus, funding the development of neighborhoods will lead to reduced crime rates as people will not be involved in criminal activities since they will have appropriate living conditions.
On balance, it is necessary to note that justice reinvestment is an effective and necessary option that can positively affect the development of society. It is more effective to prevent crime than to maintain inmates who are unlikely to become effective members of society. Funding the development of poor neighborhoods can help people have jobs and appropriate living conditions. Better living conditions for people will keep them away from criminal activity and the crime rate will reduce significantly. Admittedly, policymakers and officials have to come up with effective strategies to implement justice reinvestment incentives. It is also necessary to make people aware of the peculiarities of the approach and its benefits for communities and the entire society.
Works Cited
Fox, Chris, Kevin Albertson, and Kevin Wong. Justice Reinvestment: Can the Criminal Justice System Deliver More for Less? New York, NY: Routledge, 2013. Print.
Wright, Martin. Making Good: Prisons, Punishment and Beyond. Portland, OR: Waterside Press, 2008. Print.