Is building more prisons the answer?
VICTIMS
There are many victims who arrive at the men and women’s Nightshelter that I manage, some have been victims of state care, some have been victims of a failing mental health system, some have been victims of domestic violence and others have been victims of neglect. Recently the men’s shelter became a victim in a very minor way in comparison to the guests who have been victims. I was asked to write a victim impact report for the court so a suitable punishment could be found for a perpetrator. I sat down and wrote the court-requested victim report and it read like this (name has been changed for privacy reasons):
TO THE COURT
I am writing on behalf of the Hamilton Christian Nightshelter regarding an incident involving Joe Bloggs. On September 25th 2016, Joe was under the influence of alcohol and smashed the front door of the Men’s Hamilton Christian Nightshelter at 474 Anglesea St, Hamilton.
I have known Joe over a period of seven years in my role as the Nightshelter manager. Joe has continually been incarcerated for short spells over the past seven years and the precursor of his jail visits is usually drug or alcohol abuse. During his time in prison he is away from the temptation of drugs and alcohol and I believe this would be an ideal opportunity for him to be given some advice and assistance to make some changes in his life. Due to Joe’s short sentences there seems to have been no intervention or therapeutic opportunity for him to mend his ways.
After a discussion with the trust board of the Hamilton Christian Nightshelter, I would like the court to consider not pursuing any monetary return for costs to the Hamilton Christian Nightshelter. I would like to ask the court to consider making Joe’s punishment a compulsory alcohol or drug programme if possible. I am sure that the benefit to the police, courts and agencies like ours will be much better served if Joe could get help to overcome his addictions. Regards, Peter Humphreys Manager, Hamilton Christian Nightshelter
MORE PRISONS
We are currently building more prisons for people like Joe and the cost of the growing prison population is estimated to be an extra $2.5 billion over the next five years. International studies in the justice area shows evidence that investing in drug and alcohol treatment, well-resourced mental health services and properly resourced rehabilitation and reintegration services will deliver a better outcome socially and financially for society and also more importantly a better outcome for the Joes of the world.
Just a foot note. Joe attended the sentencing and was again given a short custodial sentence. He was later released and as I write this Joe is again incarcerated for another similar offence.
YOUR FEEDBACK
Do we need to change the way the justice system works for repeat offenders? Let us know what you think.
CONTRIBUTIONS
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