top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Prison needs alternatives

France is not “screaming out for more jails” (connexionfrance.com, April). Yes, overcrowding is a major problem but simply building more prisons will not turn the situation around. 

We should look at other ways of reducing the prison population such as electronic tagging etc, which may well be better for rehabilitation and which could save money. Keeping people in prison is costly both for taxpayer and prisoners’ families.

Prison often has no effect on future behaviour and the many prisoners serving short sentences do not benefit from rehabilitation programmes but vastly increase the number of prisoners.

Connexion readers could make a positive contribution by thinking of becoming prison visitors. Many prisoners speak English as a first or second language, and some not a word of French.

Contact the probation and rehabilitation service (SPIP) of your local prison or the national prison visitors association (anvp.org).

Paul UNDERWOOD, Somme

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France