Comments by "David Getling" (@DavidGetling) on "Former prisoner: ‘We have the highest reoffending rate in Europe, what we’re doing isn’t working’" video.

  1. People in the UK are incredibly dense and obstinate. For instance, we see how spectacularly lockdowns and restrictions failed to stop the spread of covid-19, and yet we meekly let the government repeat these failed strategies time and time again, with many even cheering them on. One has to do what works, and this isn't necessarily what we have a gut feeling should work. One has to accept the empirical data: even when we don't like it and really don't want to do what it suggests we should. Many of us, myself included at times, feel that the answer to crime is being really hard on it. It seems logical that the stiffer the penalties, and the more unpleasant prison life is the greater the deterrent will be, with a corresponding reduction in crime. Unfortunately the data doesn't support this gut feeling. Isn't it strange how, as with the handling of this pandemic, Sweden once again seems to be leading the way in how to get it right. The data clearly indicates that their treatment of criminals is the most effective. People may not like it, but not liking facts doesn't make them go away. If you brutalise and marginalise those in prison, and provide little support to them when they are released then how exactly are they supposed to integrate back into society? Another thing we should pay very careful attention to, in regard to Sweden's lower crime rate, is that Sweden has vastly less social inequality than the UK. Throughout history, and right across the world you will find that high crime rates ALWAYS go hand in hand with deprivation. It's no good pointing out that social mobility gives everyone the chance to better themselves, when most, through no fault of their own won't succeed in doing so.
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