U.S. Crime Prevention Plan - An  Alternative Approach

March 28, 2006

Overview
Crime is still one of the biggest problems within the United States.  However, traditional solutions to crime have been to stiffen laws, add police officers to the streets and to build more prisons.  This brief puts forth an alternative solution to the crime problem.

Environment
Crime in the U.S. is more of an economic issue than a social issue.  The current environment is marked by limited opportunities for many people within the United States.   This lack of opportunity has lead many people to turn to crime.  80% of the at risk individuals earn less than $10,000 a year and typically commits crimes either to survive or out of frustration with their lot in life.  Developing a system that allows low-income individuals to earn money to pay for their basic necessities would greatly reduce overall crime in the U.S.  In addition, the U.S. is spending $20,000 to $25,000 a year for each prisoner in the penal system.   Providing income opportunities to at risk individuals would reduce local, state and federal prison costs by 40% to 60%.

Objective
To reduce crime by raising the average income of at risk individuals to $18,000 - $20,000 a year.

Strategy
IGE recommends the following strategy to reduce crime within U.S. cities. 

The federal government should development a Temporary Work Program (TWP) in the top 100 cities within the U.S.  This program would allow individuals in need of funds to pay for basic necessities to signup for daily, weekly and monthly temporary jobs within federal, state and local government agencies.  

-          Available assignments would be determined by each government agency based on need.

-          Individuals participating in the program would be required to setup bank accounts and have paycheck direct deposited into bank accounts on a weekly basis.

-          Assignments would be based on an initial skills assessment, previous TWP performance and location of worker.

-          The program would require participants to call into a voice response system receive assignments for the next day.  This avoids participants standing in long embarrassing lines waiting for assignments. 

-          Individuals participating in the program for 30 days would be eligible for career training courses. 

-          Individuals participating in the program for one year or more would be eligible to apply for various full-time government jobs.

-          Individuals participating in this program could also earn credits to attend college similar to the credits earned by University employees.

Implementation
This program should be implemented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in conjunction with the U.S. Treasury and Justice Departments and should be funded with an initial annual budget of  $5 billion.  Funds should be appropriated from the reduction in the prison costs resulting from this program.

Summary
This brief outlines an alternative plan to reduce crime within the U.S.  Crime must be treated as an economic issue in order to a make real impact .  By raising the standards of living of at risk individuals through legitimate work, crime can quickly be reduced throughout the U.S.