Gransnet forums

News & politics

Alternatives to prison?

(5 Posts)
Cabbie21 Thu 06-Aug-26 08:46:58

Given that the jails are full, what alternative effective punishments can be used?

Fines, community service and tagging are all very well but I am not sure they act as deterrents.

Is prison the right place for fraud, corporate manslaughter or other major but non violent crimes?

nanna8 Thu 06-Aug-26 09:05:38

Working in the community? Cleaning off graffiti, cleaning public toilets, picking up litter,gardening for pensioners etc. Only for non violent prisoners, though and definitely not for rapists or child groomers .

MaizieD Thu 06-Aug-26 09:11:20

I think that the belief that prison is, itself, an effective punishment is highly questionable.

Septimia Thu 06-Aug-26 09:26:36

There should be options other than prison for non-violent crimes, unless the person is a repeat offender. Then there might be room for violent criminals to be given longer sentences.

It would be complicated to set up, perhaps, but could be more effective in the long run.

Cabbie21 Thu 06-Aug-26 09:36:11

Yes Septimia, , but what options can you suggest?