The Dutch prison crisis: A shortage of prisoners

11-13-16, 12:09 AM

Interesting article:

Quote:

"In the Dutch service we look at the individual," says Van der Spoel [deputy governor of Norgerhaven, a high-security prison]. "If somebody has a drug problem we treat their addiction, if they are aggressive we provide anger management, if they have got money problems we give them debt counselling. So we try to remove whatever it was that caused the crime. The inmate himself or herself must be willing to change but our method has been very effective. Over the last 10 years, our work has improved more and more." He adds that some persistent offenders - known in the trade as "revolving-door criminals" - are eventually given two-year sentences and tailor-made rehabilitation programmes. Fewer than 10% then return to prison after their release. In England and Wales, and in the United States, roughly half of those serving short sentences reoffend within two years, and the figure is often higher for young adults.

Eichhörnchen · 11-13-16, 03:32 AM

No joking (for a change) but this raises an interesting notion: we export our offenders to Holland and get them properly dealt with (we're always hearing how our prison service in the UK is at breaking point). The money we pay the Dutch might represent a real saving on our side and it would relieve our overburdened system. Could this work, do you think?

em2nought · 11-13-16, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eichhörnchen

No joking (for a change) but this raises an interesting notion: we export our offenders to Holland and get them properly dealt with (we're always hearing how our prison service in the UK is at breaking point). The money we pay the Dutch might represent a real saving on our side and it would relieve our overburdened system. Could this work, do you think?

I've always thought the USA should outsource prisons to China, but if the Netherlands gives us a fair price it sounds good to me.

Jimbuna · 11-13-16, 08:24 AM

Lived in Holland for a number of years and must admit to never having come across a prison or even heard mention of one by my Dutch friends and colleagues.

They obviously exist though

Spoon 11th · 11-13-16, 09:30 AM

I think Mars should be mankinds first prison planet.

Platapus · 11-13-16, 11:05 AM

Maybe there should be a balance between punishment and rehabilitation.

But it is so easy to just claim "these people can never be rehabilitated" and the problem cycle continues.

I guess punishment is cheaper than rehabilitation and that affects the profit bottom line.

11-13-16, 03:32 AM	#2
Eichhörnchen Starte das Auto Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: The Fens Posts: 17,455 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	No joking (for a change) but this raises an interesting notion: we export our offenders to Holland and get them properly dealt with (we're always hearing how our prison service in the UK is at breaking point). The money we pay the Dutch might represent a real saving on our side and it would relieve our overburdened system. Could this work, do you think? __________________

11-13-16, 08:24 AM	#4
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,818 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Lived in Holland for a number of years and must admit to never having come across a prison or even heard mention of one by my Dutch friends and colleagues. They obviously exist though __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

11-13-16, 11:05 AM	#6
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,388 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Maybe there should be a balance between punishment and rehabilitation. But it is so easy to just claim "these people can never be rehabilitated" and the problem cycle continues. I guess punishment is cheaper than rehabilitation and that affects the profit bottom line. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

11-13-16, 09:30 AM	#5
Spoon 11th Seasoned Skipper Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Finland Posts: 689 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	I think Mars should be mankinds first prison planet.