Want to reduce crime? Reduce risk factors.

by Chris Hay, Executive Director, John Howard Society of Alberta What are risk factors? Risk factors are factors in people’s lives that increase the likelihood that they will commit crimes and become involved in the criminal justice system.  There are many risk factors, including but not limited to: low education poverty mental illness drug and alcohol use…

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3 Reasons Why Deterrence Doesn’t Work

by Chris Hay, Executive Director, John Howard Society of Alberta This blog entry is a continuation of our recent discussion about deterrence.  Previously, we talked about the purpose of our criminal justice system and how it seems to be based on the concept of deterrence and how this might be a mistake.  Here are the reasons why.…

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Does deterrence work?

by Chris Hay, Executive Director, John Howard Society of Alberta What is the purpose of the criminal justice system?  Does it exist for rehabilitation?  For changing behavior?  For societal protection?  For show?  For the creation of safer communities?  For punishment?  For deterrence?  One could argue that it is here for each of these and possibly…

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