Discussion Forum

Punishment and Deterrents

Feedback from a Taunton Deane Councillor in December 2006

Our town centre manager for a number of years has worked with the probabtion service, who are only to keen to have something for the 'Communitgy Service; teams to do. The Borough gives them with the materials, and all is well!

Feedback from Essex Council in August 2006

"I believe the liberal attitudes of the last decades have led to a lack of respect and responsibility. The younger generation show contempt to the police and any authority and the punishments handed out by the courts offer little deterrence.
On a trip to Florida I inquired why there was so little graffiti and was told that offenders are sent to dessert youth camps to shovel sand for three months - a punishment which resulted in few returning and a real deterrent to would be offenders.

Although my opinion may seem strong in today's society I believe mine to be kinder in the long term. I understand that many youths grow out of their bad behaviour but their criminal records are with them for life. Many capable individuals will find themselves excluded from society because their criminal record prevents them from getting jobs and other openings in the future."