To the Point
What's Happened to America's 'Crackdown on Crime?'
Reformers call American prisons too expensive, discriminatory and counter-productive. But hard-liners claim crime is down because more criminals are behind bars.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenAmerica's over-stuffed prisons are too expensive, discriminatory against racial minorities and counter-productive. So say reformers across the political spectrum in New York, Texas and Washington, DC. But hard-liners claim that crime is down because more criminals are behind bars. Also, New York City is ordered to change its stop and frisk policing, and last year's election and the future of presidential politics.
Banner image: Julie Tuason
In this episode
3 storiesNew York City Must Change Its 'Stop and Frisk' Policing
Mayor Bloomberg's "stop and frisk" policy gets some credit for reducing crime in New York City. But today, a federal judge ruled that it violates the constitutional rights of minorities and needs to be monitored.
Read the story8 minWhat's Happened to America's 'Crackdown on Crime?'
After 30 years of being "tough on crime," the US -- with 5% of the world's population -- has 25% of its prisoners, and that's very expensive. Now the crime rate is way down. Conservatives are joining liberals, demanding reduced sentences and alternatives to incarceration. Texas is one of the states where prisons are being shut down.
Read the story36 minDan Balz Discusses 'Collision' of 2012 Election
Presidential election campaigns have become political marathons, but last year's — from the Republican primaries until election day — seemed longer than ever, and many Americans were glad to see it come to an end. That doesn't mean it wasn't important.
Read the story7 min
