It is easy to have an all or nothing view of criminals. They are often depicted as the dregs of society and not worth your compassion. They have harmed other people and most people think they deserve whatever is coming to them. But here is the thing. A criminal is a human being. They have mothers, siblings, and children. Many are convicted of a single crime, are non-violent, and are good people. Of course, that does not excuse them for their behavior. But does it mean they should be condemned forever?

In the United States, the way we treat criminals is very different from other civilized nations. We believe punishment is the answer to all our problems. I’m going to clue you in on something. The US justice system does not help criminals or the people they are trying to protect. It just breeds more criminal behavior. It is called the criminal cycle.

Punishment Does Not Work

The US justice system is punitive. You commit a crime. You get punished. Problem solved, right? You might be alarmed to find out that punishing people for criminal behavior does not work. Our whole system is built upon a faulty premise. Punishment might affect choices in the short-term but does nothing to change long-term behavior. The millions of dollars that are spent on overcrowded jails are all for naught. Sure, you might feel better knowing that a criminal is off the streets for a while. I mean, some offenders really should be kept away from the public. But, for the vast majority, their time in jail does nothing to help prevent them from committing another crime. In fact, it makes it more likely they will offend again.

Punishment vs. Rehabilitation

You might be asking, “doesn’t time in jail teach criminals a lesson?” In a word, no. For example, let’s look at someone who spends a year in a U.S. county jail. They literally don’t have to do anything except eat, poop, and sleep. Any treatment offered is voluntary and, depending on the jail, may focus on nothing other than substance abuse. You can work, but only if you want to. So, you can literally spend a year with no responsibilities and no treatment doing nothing to improve yourself. For most criminals, they will return to society having learned nothing about becoming a better person.

In contrast, in many civilized countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands, the criminal justice system puts an emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment. They treat prisoners like human beings and the goal of the whole system is to return people to society to be healthy and productive human beings. You can even have your criminal record expunged due to good behavior. In their view, people who have committed a crime require assistance rather than retribution. It is a much healthier and effective perspective.

What Happens to a Criminal After They Are Punished?

Okay, so you are released from jail or prison with a criminal conviction on your record. You just need to get a job, find a place to live and move on with your life. Easy enough?

Where Do I Live?

Finding a place to live isn’t so easy for a convict. People don’t want to rent to a criminal. Do you even have money to rent or buy a place? Probably not. After all, you have just spent some months or years making no money. Unless you have someone to help you out, it is very likely you will end up living on someone’s couch or in a shelter. Not a great base for success.

Where Do I Work?

What about a job? Employers don’t like to hire criminals, especially ones that have been out of the workforce for a while. You may lack education and you probably did not learn much in jail. You might need to take a minimum wage job just to start making some money. But, a minimum wage job will hardly get you on your feet, especially in states that only give you seven bucks per hour.

What About Social Life and Support?

Let’s face it, criminals are often ostracized by society. Friends and family may not want to associate with you as they once did. Your invitations to parties and gatherings dry up. Further, you may be on probation, which could restrict you from travel and interactions with certain people. Add it all up and you may become socially isolated. Unfortunately, criminals need more support, not less, when they are trying to reintegrate into society.

What is a Criminal To Do?

Your criminal behavior has left you in a lurch. You have no money, no place to live, and not much social support. What are your choices? You could keep plugging away and hope it all works out eventually. You could pray to a higher power for divine intervention. Maybe you are lucky and a kind relative gives you some money and a place to live. Or, maybe you decide to go back to doing what you did before.

A Return To Crime

Do you know what looks attractive to a criminal when they have lost everything? Crime and jail. Why not steal or sell drugs when no one will hire you? Using illegal substances seems like a good idea if you can’t cope with the harsh realities of life. When your friends and family reject you why not surround yourself with negative influences or join a gang? It is easy to slip back into a life of crime when there doesn’t seem to be other options.

You may think I’m crazy, but there are some people in jail who are happy to be there. Think about it: three meals a day and a roof over their heads. Lots of people with whom to socialize that wont judge you for what you did. No responsibilities unless you want them. Not a bad life for a desperate person who can’t make it on the outside.

Compassion For A Criminal

It is easy to sit on the sidelines and judge a criminal. After all, they did break the law. Some are violent and repeat offenders who exhibit little remorse. But what about the majority? What about the ones who accept responsibility and work to do better. Shouldn’t they have the opportunity for assistance rather than desperation? Ask yourself, what would you do if you were desperate? Until you spend time in a criminal’s shoes you can’t be sure. We are all human beings. We all deserve some understanding and compassion.

Let me be clear: I’m not saying that criminals should get off scot-free. A criminal act deserves consequences. But, is continuous punishment the answer? Doesn’t a criminal deserve a chance to improve themselves and lead a better life? In America, criminals face such dire consequences that further crime seems like a reasonable answer to their problems. It is clear the system is broken; it leads to a vicious criminal cycle. Criminals need help and compassion not a life sentence of misery. Unfortunately, in the United States, criminals do not receive the resources or kindness to help them become better people.