criminal offensive

I read an article today about the rising rate of armed robberies in our city. This concerns me, as I would suspect it does most people.

In the article, they interviewed a corner store owner who said that the courts need to take a hard look at the problem, and in essence make the laws tougher.

I have a problem with this as an exclusive stance towards how to solve the problem.

People must ask themselves "who is committing these crimes?" Most likely the offenders are folks who are struggling intensely with their current situation and are so desperate that they are willing to terrify innocent cashiers to make some quick cash.

The second question people must ask themselves are "Are the lawful consequences of armed robbery more or less harsh today than in the past?" Most people probably don't know the answer to this question. And why should they - most people have never committed an armed robbery.

What, then, will stricter laws do to prevent would-be robbers from picking up a knife and threatening someone in a convenience store? Are criminals more 'in the know' regarding courtroom procedures and the justice system?

Of course not. Many, if not most armed robbers are either under the influence of a mind-altering substance (or worse, experiencing extreme withdrawal), and are unconcerned with the long-term consequences of their actions. So stricter laws do nothing but make their lives even more unbearable than they already are, sending them further into depression and making them even more prone to commit crimes.

It is time that, when we call for action to reduce crime, we demand that these crimes be prevented as opposed to punished more severely. We must call for more inclusive education systems, more robust poverty reduction plans, and a child care system that ensures a high standard of socialization for every single child.

People that are taught from an early age to respect and accept instead of reject and isolate one another will be more likely to detect the early signs of a troubled individual and work to integrate them into a safe society.

Yes, punishment that fits the crime will still help to prevent repeat offenses, but it will not bring back the sense of trust that exists in our towns and cities. We must prevent violations by fostering a community spirit.