Teri Hourihan on Crime

Invest in rehabilitation & mental health to reduce crime

A: I do not believe that simply increasing punishment or expanding prisons is the most effective way to reduce crime. Serious and violent offenders must be held accountable, but we also need to address the factors that contribute to repeat offenses by investing in rehabilitation, mental health and substance-use treatment, education, job training, and successful reentry programs. I support prison reform that focuses resources on reducing recidivism and improving public safety, while prioritizing greater investment in our students and schools rather than continually spending more taxpayer dollars to expand the prison system.