Running in Front of the Bear: National Policy and City Reality

Abstract

The notions of neighborhood, family, and employment provide individuals with identity, self-esteem, status, and respect from others who are significant in their lives—all of which serve as disincentives for committing crime. To change from the present misconception that the criminal justice system prevents crime to a more promising policy addressing neighborhood, family, and employment, we must pursue programs that are equitable, rather than necessarily equal, and understand that what we call welfare benefits for the poor are called fringe benefits for people who are better off.