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 