Beyond tough talk: rethinking crime and punishment for a safer society

This week, I was delighted to be invited to write an article for Chamber on the need to reform the #justice system.

In it, I talk about the need to reform the #justicesystem away from a one-size-fits-all approach, highlighting the necessity for rehabilitative measures.

The full article appears below and you can also read it here.

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As a former Royal Military Police (RMP) Officer, I have witnessed first-hand the complexities of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation. The recurring rhetoric of being ‘tough on crime,’ often echoed by Conservative governments, prompts me to question the efficacy of our current justice system. Are we truly addressing the root causes of crime, or are we merely applying temporary solutions, like sticky plasters on a wound that refuses to heal?

Crime is a multifaceted issue, with at least three broad dimensions. A one-size-fits-all approach to punishment is therefore extremely unhelpful given the diversity of the individuals within the criminal justice system.

Some lawbreakers are inherently predisposed to criminal behaviour, necessitating secure confinement. Others, grappling with limited education, mental health issues, or learning disabilities, require support systems rather than punitive measures. And then there are those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law, due to a singular bad decision. Punishment remains necessary as a deterrent but for those who admit their failings their need is to be steered to a more positive future via education and rehabilitation rather than simply clogging up our prisons.  

Unfortunately, our current system tends to lump all these individuals together within the prison walls, creating a revolving door of crime and punishment with limited focus on addressing the underlying issues. If the goal is to punish and reintegrate individuals into society successfully, the evidence suggests that our current methods are falling short.

Short prison sentences, particularly for non-violent offences, have proven to be less effective than community orders in reducing reoffending[1]. Yet, despite this knowledge, we continue to witness a decline in the use of community sentences, coupled with dangerously overcrowded prisons. The prison population has surged by 80% in the last 30 years[2], with a staggering 61% having committed non-violent offences[3]. Yes, do we feel any safer now than we did 30 years ago? A re-evaluation of the purpose of short sentences and a serious consideration of community-based alternatives are long overdue.

The toll of reoffending is not just a burden on individuals; it reverberates across society. A recent study estimates the annual total economic and social cost of reoffending at £18.1 billion[4]. This translates to the equivalent of almost 300,000 police constables on an average wage in London. Imagine the transformative impact on our law enforcement capabilities if we could cut reoffending in half.

It’s time for an adult conversation about the purpose of our justice system. Let’s align punishment with the severity of the crime, prioritising community sentences proven to reduce reoffending. A shift towards early identification of vulnerable individuals, coupled with targeted support, can prevent bad decisions from escalating into criminal acts.

Crime is not an isolated problem; it is a societal challenge that demands a collective response. As leaders, it is incumbent upon us to foster a justice system that not only punishes but rehabilitates, creating a safer society for all.

[1] Ministry of Justice (2013) 2013 Compendium of re-offending statistics and analysis, London: Ministry of Justice

[2] Ministry of Justice (2022) Prison Population Projections: 2022 to 2027, London: Ministry of Justice

[3] Table A2.7 and A2.9i, Ministry of Justice (2023) Offender management statistics: Prison receptions 2022, London: Ministry of Justice

[4] Ministry of Justice (2019) The economic and social costs of reoffending, London: Ministry of Justice