Beyond the Holding Tank

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Executive Summary

Public debate around prison policy is often based on rhetoric and emotion rather than experience and evidence. Individuals and groups tend to be polarised or labelled as supporting ‘offenders’ or ‘victims’ or being ‘soft’ or ‘tough’ on crime. The aim of this discussion document is to cut through these false dichotomies. Starting with some facts about the effectiveness of our current prison system on reducing recidivism, this document points the debate towards more positive and rehabilitative prison practice.