Just City on WMC Action News 5: “Research shows putting people behind bars for longer is more expensive and does not actually cut crime”

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) –

“With violent crime up almost 10 percent in Memphis and Shelby County, law enforcement agencies want to see tougher penalties for those convicted of gun violence.

However, the idea of tougher sentencing and locking people up for longer periods of time is not favored by everyone.

Josh Spickler, with Just City, said research shows putting people behind bars for longer is more expensive and does not actually cut crime.

“The answer is to address the flow of guns into this community,” Spickler said. “To address the number of young people in this community who have no opportunities, to address systemic generational poverty in this community.”