[desmata]

Is it time the 3 strikes rule was introduced as it is in the US? maybe not quite 25 years on your 3rd conviction, but perhapse 1 or 5 or 10 years?

Or would this put a massive strain on the already massively over strained prison system. The US do imprison a staggering number of people, more in proportion than any other country (i believe)

But i do think that if the criminal knew that their next conviction was guranteed to be in prison for at least a year, and a real year, not a bit of part of a year then they might try another path. It would definately get my vote

[ike-fungipoke]

There is no need, all they need to do is sentence offenders properly instead of putting a human rights head on before sentencing!

[mikeh2000]

They'd need to build several more prisons, which in this economical climate is unfortunately going to be a long way off I fear, but after seeing someone arrested in the States for nicking a computer game, once she realised it was her third offence she was absolutely distraught, as not only was she going to be jailed for at least 8 years, but her kids were going to go into care as well, as she was telling us on the way to custody, while begging to be given another chance.
Her sentence may have been a bit harsh, but she won't be doing it again in a hurry, not for 8 years anyway!

[hibee]

In the States, privatised prisons are big business and some states actively welcome their building for economic reasons - plenty of well paid jobs - think we would struggle with that here.

Bring back prison boats :thumbsup:

[Fella]

You'll be alarmed to know that it already exists here in the UK, and has done for burglars since 1999.

http://www.guardian....ec/01/rostaylor

Obviously though you'll be less surprised to know that it's rarely implemented.

[merlotmonster]

I agree there should be tougher sentences in the first place. I cant see anything wrong with private prisons either. Make it really tough on them and not give them TV etc and then they might not want to go there in the first place. The Courts are far too lenient these days.

[Jaydee]

Fella, on Feb 8 2010, 05:25 PM, said:

You'll be alarmed to know that it already exists here in the UK, and has done for burglars since 1999.

http://www.guardian....ec/01/rostaylor

Obviously though you'll be less surprised to know that it's rarely implemented.

A shame it's not implimented. We have a lad on my patch who has been a prolific burglar since he was 12 years old. He was eventually given a prison sentance of a couple of years however as usual he was released on license for a few months. Within 9 days of his release he had breached his curfew over 12 times and was quite obviously out doing it again and was sighted on several occassions with known burglars. He went to court and was given 3 months to finish his prison sentance and he shall be released without any licence conditions at all... not very comforting when you see this lads rap sheet thats for sure!

[flabber-my-gast]

Instead of putting them in prison, why dont we ship them off to a country where they will find it hard. Somewhere like Australia. Hang on a minute...a theft shop, bit of crim dam and a going equipped should do me, so you later guys, cant wait!!

[hibee]

Biggest problem in the UK is the fact we are such a small country for expanding our prison resources coupled with the public's NIMBYISM - "not in my back yard".

There are a dozen private run prisons in the UK but i think the most worrying thing about too much of a shift to privatisation, is the type of staff quality. Again scepticism creeps in regarding rehabilitation of offenders - is it good enough considering the prison is then a business and thrives on a high turnaround of inmates?

We're surrounded by water so I say again - prison boats.