It is long overdue for this Blog to feature Arizona's one man blitz against crime, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who also supervises the prison service. He polices the 6th largest county in the USA.Let us hear in his own words the philosophy - which is not mere words - which he has truly implemented:
"My enforcement and jail program philosophies are all geared to be tough on crime and those who commit crime. Overall, it is my belief that a person who commits a crime should be held accountable and face the consequences of their actions. In direct terms, they should receive just punishment for their lack of responsibility and discipline. Specifically in the county jail system which I manage, it is my belief that inmates should never live better behind bars than the outside in free society. Therefore I maintain an austere system with no frills and have implemented programs to curtail recidivism."
This ' austerity' includes chain gangs to work on public projects - no sexism, they are for women too - pink pyjamas for felons to wear during the day, tents instead of cells in searing heat, 40 cents spent per meal.
The one point is that nobody has to go there. Every prisoner has volunteered by their actions and offending.
This is retributive punishment. It vindicates, protects and deters. The good Sheriff also runs a number of rehabilitation programmes from literacy to parenting, to help prepare prisoners for the outside world.
Can't you just hear our so-called do-gooders? - "Barbaric! Undignified. Humiliating." - Well. It works for me!
It also works for the local voters. Joe has an approval rating which never falls below 75% and often hits 85%.
Crime? - Nowhere near as popular as it used to be!
Inexplicable! It must be a blip or a coincidence.
