It is kind of ironic how people don't understand how deterrence works. They think being tough on crime means more deterrence, but realistically those people leave prison one day, with less to lose and the deterrence effect disappears for good.
Also people misunderstand how deterrence works. In that if you double the sentence people don't fear it twice as much.
Especially when conviction rates are as low as they are, "getting caught is something that happens it other people, it could never happen to me, I'm too smart"
I've read studies that suggest that high detection/conviction rates and relatively mild punishments is the ideal.
It's absolutely ridiculous, and a complete byproduct of a vengeful society. It is rare that a politician can run on a platform that is in favor of prison reform. They will be branded as soft on crime. Every politician has to be tough on crime, tough on evil doers, and citizens expect harsh punishments. It's almost like a vicarious executioner. Rehabilitation is what we need more than anything, not more prisons, not longer jail sentences, rehabilitation.
Or leaving prison with existing or new substance abuse problems. Prison is the only environment that can realistic force treatment and abstinence. The lack of jobs, job training, substance abuse problems, and often burnt bridges with friends and family means they are in a bus to some east or west coast city after they get out, with nowhere to stay.
