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Police Chiefs Scoff at Death Penalty
A poll of randomly selected 386 police chiefs in the US found that most believed the death penalty does nothing to deter crime. The poll found that only one percent of the police chiefs believed the death penalty should be a primary focus to stop violent crime. Many of the chiefs stated they thought the death penalty was a symbolic means for politicians to show they are tough on crime. It also prevents any focus on other areas that might reduce or prevent crime.
Asked what they thought would reduce crime 31% said reducing drug abuse, 17% cited creating jobs and improving the economy, 15% cited longer prison sentences, and 10% cited putting more cops on the street. Of the police chiefs surveyed, over 80% said they did not think murderers consider the range of possible punishments before they kill and two thirds stated they did not think the death penalty significantly reduces murders.
Asked what they thought would reduce crime 31% said reducing drug abuse, 17% cited creating jobs and improving the economy, 15% cited longer prison sentences, and 10% cited putting more cops on the street. Of the police chiefs surveyed, over 80% said they did not think murderers consider the range of possible punishments before they kill and two thirds stated they did not think the death penalty significantly reduces murders.
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