To determine whether or not his predictive model was correct, Krus searched for a laboratory in which to test it. He found it in Eastern European countries, many of which transitioned from socialism to capitalism almost overnight. This rapid change resulted in the redistribution of wealth in a disparate manner. If Krus’ model was correct, this redistribution of wealth should have been followed by a noticeable increase in incarceration.
In the Soviet Union – over a four-year period – incarceration rates rose by 108 percent, while the incarceration rate in the Czech Republic increased by 276 percent.
Krus’ predictive study leads to one inevitable conclusion. The most effective method to reduce crime is not longer sentences and harsher punishments, but rather the reduction of the existing gap between rich and poor, along with an increase in stabilized families.
Building more jails is not the answer. Not only are jails inordinately expensive, but they don’t solve the problem of crime.