Public safety requires reducing the likelihood that individuals enter the criminal justice system initially and diminishing the chance they return. For decades, public safety discussions have centered around enforcement and punishment. Rarely is there a focus on crime prevention before harm occurs. After over 50 years in corrections, Gary Mohr has observed the limitations of the current approach. If the objective is to lower crime rates and safeguard communities, the system must go beyond reactive measures. It requires emphasis on punishment and genuine crime prevention.
A groundbreaking survey among law enforcement officers reveals new insights for this shift. 92% of officers report their departments face burdens from social issues beyond crime. Additionally, 80% highlight that community members trained in conflict mediation and violence diversion improve their job safety and ease and bolster community safety. This percentage climbs to 90% among officers experienced with these programs. The agreement on this is notable in a profession operating in diverse environments and encountering numerous challenges. Respondents are veteran law enforcement officers, not politicians, supporting community safety on the front lines.
These findings reflect modern policing’s real daily challenges. Officers frequently respond to mental health crises, substance abuse, and homelessness—areas better addressed by mental health experts. A lack of adequate resources and partners means officers repeatedly face the same issues without resolving the root causes. Neighborhood-based prevention initiatives play a crucial role here. Investing in community violence intervention and mental health crisis programs can prevent crime effectively. They decrease repeat service calls and enable police to focus on severe public safety threats, enhancing safety for both communities and departments.
The effectiveness of early release for prisoners is another significant consideration. Programs offering job training, education, and treatment in prisons have proven to lower future crime rates. Incentivizing incarcerated individuals to engage in education and training increases their likelihood of contributing positively to society upon release. They can join the workforce, pay taxes, and boost local economies. Like police value prevention tools, correctional officers understand what ensures safety in prisons and reduces recidivism.
The survey shows nearly three-quarters of officers support policies allowing parole boards to consider early release for individuals committed to rehabilitation and training. Experienced public safety officers recognize that rewarding rehabilitative efforts, shifting qualified individuals from prison to community-based supervision and treatment, cuts excess spending and strengthens safety.
A holistic approach yields better results and is financially prudent. Connecticut reports nearly $40 million in annual savings from rehabilitation programs, while Pennsylvania saved over $400 million in a decade through recidivism reduction. These figures illustrate that prevention and rehabilitation-oriented policies lower costs and enhance public safety.
Public safety extends beyond enforcement and incarceration alone. It relies on a system investing in prevention, supporting rehabilitation, and aligning resources with law enforcement and corrections professionals’ realities. Shifting from outdated crime and punishment models towards evidence-based crime prevention strategies centralizes safety, improves law enforcement officers’ lives, and ensures responsible use of taxpayer funds.
Gary Mohr is the retired director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and 106th president of the American Correctional Association.