There is a discussion going on about whether or not we should let prisoners pay for their stay. It does cost the community lots of money, tax payers, but how fair is that. Pros and cons (get it) in every way we look. But what would be right to do.
Prison cell of Al Capone
I know of the Danish and Germans already asking money from their inmates. You want to use light water and electricity for you television. And this is exactly why we say pay up. If ou want luxury you have to pay for it. Pretty sure we know some countries where being in prison is free but well the accommodation is crap to keep it mildly. SO you want a TV on your room, pay up, I do not need to pay for your continuance as a tax payer. You made a mistake and committed a crime and while you watch TV all day I have to pay for your food and water. You steal form us and now we need to pay you to.
Sure your social security is taken from you. But you can work in that cell of yours. Now the pay is crap believe me. For a Dollar an hour nobody wants to work. But that little luxury they have like a bag of crisps need to be bought from their own money. That is why they such big trading items in jail. They worth money inside.
So it sucks that we as taxpayers have to pay up for their warm housing and electricity. First they steal form our community by robbing a bank or store or even take a life which is priceless in many ways. And on top of that get treated on comfort b us as well so we say pay up. At a proximate of 20 dollars a day with a maximum of 2 years totalling at over 16.000 dollars.
That sound good right. But what if they do not have the money to pay that kind of money. I mean making 20 dollars a week doesn’t ad up unless you are in jail for more than 10 years. And even then you cannot pay for it with that little salary you get. So how does that work. Well they will say, and here is where it gets tricky, it is a loan. You will be in debt with the state. Forever until it is paid in full.
Now this raises one question. What will a bank robber do? Or robber in general What is a murderer to do when he is released with a debt. Does that invite them to again turn back to crime in order to pay their debt.. I know it s not easy to get a job with a stamp on your forehead saying ex-convict.. How will they pay their debt. It is one that stays with you to the grave.
Clashing thoughts no doubt. So how does it work in Germany and Denmark? Can it really be done this way. Isn’t there a reason why we stopped throwing criminals on islands because they could not take care of themselves. Or because they got more violent due to having to work fro the state.
Ooh well it is one of those idea that seem to work great in theory and sure most people would say ‘pay up’. But what will the side effect be. Will they return to crime faster due to a debt? We will have to wait and see. What would your idea be?
Best wishes
Ranting Crow
Ranting Crow 
That they all become the new public cleaners, sweepers, and make sure that all streets, public amenities are well scrubbed and cleaned. As for how to ensure that they don’t run off while on their cleaning jobs? There is a electric anklet placed on both their ankles. The minute they run or move from a certain mile radius, they get electrocuted instantly, and die. Yes, it is harsh but sometimes it has to be brutally harsh to stop inmates from even entertaining the thought of escaping. That’s all I have got. Sorry it isn’t helpful. It is a real issue affecting every country too.
Well it would be one way to repay to the community. Bringing back the chain gangs so to speak. Well at least they can pay of heir debt
Yea, but realistically – it would be so hard to implement.
Too much at risk 😦
Even so it is worth to look at ways to have them repay. setting them free with a debt is just as risky.
Very true. I agree that looking at all possibilities is a better way forward. Yes, they do have to pay one way or another. This reminds me of a very dark episode I watched from the British series, “Black Mirror”. The criminal was made into a “game” for a justice theme park!
Dear Crow,
One moment I must place my rant box right here…Okay I’m on. I’m an advocate of the death penalty (Gee I hope I don’t loose any Friends & Followers) I just can’t understand how one can take a life and violently I might add, and not pay it forward by their life. So what they sit behind bars until they are in their 80’s? Although I have not researched or investigated the cost of a prisoner in other countries, I have watched my fair share of National Geo prison. I saw, please don’t quote me Russia I believe had more men per cell then the room could accommodate, and the food was a lump of stale bread and a huge tall pot with a liquid that was white and after it was stirred it was orange. I know my comment may sound cruel, and that it not my intent. Now I believe that currently the state of Florida pays more money within the prison systems than on education for our children. Please don’t quote me I didn’t fact check. You get my meaning.
Why do you think as a prisoner you should be entitled to anything. Crime does not pay, so why am I.
Stepping down okay off rant box.
Anastasia
Now on some occasions i would say death penalty. cruel yes.But our judging system sucks in many ways.
Having a convict pay for his stay is a nice way to take away some costs. but in order for them to be able to pay they need work. Our system they will try implementing a debt for live. In other word they will have to pay back even after getting out.
Second it is a crime in it self to pay more to prisons than schools.
Some people just throw up a ball with out thinking consequences.
I thank you full heartedly for your comment..and no you did not loose a friend.
😄