Prompt: Some people think that criminals should be given longer terms in prison , so as to reduce the crime rate . To what extent do you agree or disagree

In this age and time when most governments around the world are thinking of de-criminalizing various crimes and ensuring that prison time is short but corrective, some people are suggesting the exact opposite. Various researches reveal, lengthier prison sentences does not lead to a reduction in crime. I agree with this view for the following reasons discussed below. Ċ Long prison sentences harden criminals rather than correct them. A large study done in Ghana two years ago reveals to us that young prisoners who were handed maximum sentences for crimes committed ended up having careers as con-men. This is attributed to learning new tricks and getting bigger connections in prison. Some of them, who were dependent on one hard drug, had become dependent on several at exit. The converse was the case for those with shorter sentences, who were also afforded the opportunity of seeing counsellors and attending community service. Ċ Giving lengthier prison sentences is not cost effective. The state wastes more funds when it hands out longer prison sentences to criminals. This is because a lot of money is spent in keeping them in prison. You have to secure the prison, pay the workers, feed them etc. However when released the state still as to spend money on security of its people because they go back to crime. Ċ A lot of research has shown that it is better to hand out shorter sentences with compulsory counselling sessions. Ċ Giving long sentences to criminals increases crime and makes the state insecure. It not cost-effective for the government or state, no wonder there is a drive the world over towards harm minimization.