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Dr. Stemen publishes The Prison Paradox for the Vera Institute of Justice

The Prison Paradox: More Incarceration Will Not Make Us Safe‌‌‌‌‌

Dr. Don Stemen, Associate Professor and Chair, published The Prison Paradox: More Incarceration Will Not Make Us Safer for the ‌Vera Institute of Justice.

Dr. Stemen’s report notes that despite its widespread use, research shows that the effect of incarceration as a deterrent to crime is minimal at best, and has been diminishing for several years. Indeed, increased rates of incarceration have no demonstrated effect on violent crime and in some instances may increase crime. There are more effective ways to respond to crime – evidenced by the 19 states that recently reduced both their incarceration and crime rates. Dr. Stemen’s research brief summarizes the weak relationship between incarceration and crime reduction, and highlights proven strategies for improving public safety that are more effective and less expensive than incarceration.

Dr. Stemen’s research bulletin is part of the Vera Institute of Justice’s For the Record Evidence Brief Series. The series aims to provide accessible summaries of the latest evidence concerning justice-related topics. By summarizing and synthesizing existing research, identifying landmark studies and key resources, and, in some cases, providing original analysis of data, these briefs offer a balanced and nuanced examination of some of the significant justice issues of our time.