Can We Arrest Our Way Out of Youth Crime?

Every time youth crime makes the news, someone says, “Lock them up!”

I get it. People want to feel safe. So do I.

But here’s my question.

What happens when that young person comes out?

Same problems? Same friends? Same lack of support?

Police have a job to do. But they can’t do everyone’s job.

Maybe we need to talk about what happens before the crime, not just after it.

Because a prison cell isn’t exactly a life-skills classroom.