Rethinking Public Safety: The Case for Prevention and Rehabilitation

Public safety requires reducing the chances that people become part of the criminal system initially, and equally, decreasing the possibility of their return. For many years, the discussion on public safety has centered around enforcement and punishment. Rarely does it address ways to prevent crime before harm occurs.

With over five decades in corrections, I have observed the limitations of current approaches. If reducing crime and safeguarding communities are the goals, the system mustn’t only react. There is a need for genuine crime prevention efforts. A unique survey among law enforcement officers provides fresh insights for this shift.

Law Enforcement’s Thoughts on Crime Prevention

A remarkable 92% of officers report their departments grapple with social issues beyond crime. Additionally, 80% believe that community-trained individuals in conflict mediation and violence diversion make their roles safer and more manageable, boosting community safety. This percentage increases to 90% for those officers who have engaged with these programs.

This consensus is vital, especially in a field present in various environments and facing numerous challenges. The responders, not politicians seeking prominence, represent those on the criminal justice system’s front lines, risking their lives for public safety.

Neighborhood Prevention: A Proactive Approach

The findings correspond with the modern policing landscape. Officers frequently respond to mental health crises, substance use issues, and homelessness—situations better suited for mental health experts. Due to a lack of appropriate tools and partners, officers repeatedly address these scenarios without a solution to the underlying problem.

Neighborhood-based prevention programs can significantly alter this dynamic. By supporting community violence intervention and mental health crisis programs, society can curb crime before it occurs. These efforts reduce repeated service calls, allowing law enforcement to concentrate on genuine threats to safety, thereby enhancing the safety of communities and police departments alike.

The Question of Early Release

Programs offering job training, education, and treatment in prisons have effectively lowered the chances of future crimes. Inmates who participate in these educational and job training initiatives are more likely to contribute positively to society post-release. They join the labor force, pay taxes, and bolster local economies.

Similarly, as police appreciate tools for crime prevention, correctional officers understand what contributes to safer prisons and reduces reentry post-release. The survey revealed nearly 75% of officers supporting policies enabling parole boards to consider early release for those engaging in rehabilitation, education, and job training, demonstrating a change commitment.

Public safety officers recognize the benefits of rewarding rehabilitation and transitioning qualified individuals from prison to community-based supervision and treatment. These actions cut unnecessary spending, reinforce public safety, and protect those working in jails and prisons.

Pursuing a Holistic Approach

A holistic approach yields better outcomes and makes financial sense. Connecticut saved nearly $40 million annually through rehabilitation programs. Pennsylvania saved over $400 million in a decade by reducing recidivism. These results indicate that prevention and rehabilitation policies can cut costs and enhance public safety.

Public safety does not solely rely on enforcement and incarceration. It thrives on a system investing in prevention, endorsing rehabilitation, and aligning resources with law enforcement and corrections professionals’ realities. By moving from outdated crime and punishment models to evidence-based prevention strategies, we can enhance safety for everyone, improve the well-being of law enforcement officers, and manage taxpayer resources better.

Gary Mohr is the retired director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the 106th president of the American Correctional Association.