Our justice system is stuck in an outdated cycle of retribution. When harm occurs, we focus almost entirely on punishment—longer sentences, tougher laws, and more aggressive policing. But here’s the hard truth: punishment does not equal justice. It does not make communities safer, it does not heal victims, and it does not prevent harm from happening again.
“Retribution, punishment, vengeance—this has been the foundation of our justice system for too long. And yet, we still have one of the highest recidivism rates in the world. What does that tell us? That our system isn’t working.” – Mike Butler
At Project PACT, we believe justice should be about more than just making people pay for their mistakes. It should be about healing, accountability, and creating safer communities by addressing the root causes of harm, not just the symptoms.
The Problem With Our Current Justice Model
The American criminal justice system is built on the idea that justice means punishment. We see this play out in:
- High recidivism rates – Between 50-70% of people released from prison will reoffend.
- Victims left without real support – The system focuses on the offender, leaving victims without meaningful paths to healing.
- Communities stuck in cycles of crime – Little investment is made in preventing harm before it happens.
We’ve convinced ourselves that the more we punish, the safer we are. But history tells us otherwise. If incarceration truly made us safer, we would have solved this problem decades ago.
Justice That Centers Community Well-Being
“Justice should be about community safety. It should focus on reducing recidivism, helping victims heal, and making sure our neighborhoods are places where people feel safe and connected.” – Mike Butler
True justice requires a shift in thinking. It means recognizing that public safety is not just about enforcement—it’s about prevention, accountability, and healing.
At Project PACT, we believe justice should aim for three key outcomes:
- Reducing Recidivism – Instead of just punishing, focus on rehabilitation and reintegration to stop cycles of crime.
- Helping Victims Heal – Ensure victims have a role in the justice process and access to meaningful support.
- Strengthening Communities – Create systems that restore balance and trust instead of eroding it.
What Real Accountability Looks Like
Our system often mistakes punishment for accountability. But real accountability is about ownership, not just consequences.
“Accountability isn’t about throwing people away. It’s about asking: how do we make sure this harm doesn’t happen again? How do we ensure that those who have caused harm take responsibility in a way that makes our communities safer?” – Mike Butler
Accountability should mean:
- For offenders: Acknowledging harm, making amends, and taking meaningful steps to change.
- For communities: Taking an active role in creating safety and preventing harm before it happens.
- For law enforcement: Moving beyond enforcement and toward fostering public trust and safety.
Alternatives to a Failing System
Project PACT advocates for proven alternatives to traditional punishment-based justice:
- Restorative Justice – Bringing victims, offenders, and the community together to address harm and find solutions.
- Diversion Programs – Offering alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders.
- Trauma-Informed Approaches – Recognizing that many offenders have untreated trauma that fuels harmful behavior.
- Community-Led Safety Initiatives – Shifting the responsibility for public safety from government alone to neighborhoods, families, and local organizations.
What Do We Want Justice to Achieve?
The fundamental question we should be asking is: What is the purpose of justice?
If our goal is simply to punish, our system is doing exactly what it was designed to do. But if our goal is to build safer, healthier communities, then we need to rethink everything.
“We have to stop defining people by the worst thing they’ve ever done. The vast majority of people who enter the justice system are not beyond redemption. The question is: do we want to help them become better, or just punish them and hope for the best?” – Mike Butler
We don’t need more Band-Aids. We need systemic change.The conversation is shifting. Are we ready to embrace a justice system that actually works?
