This article argues that the current wave of punitiveness in corrections has failed to reduce the crime rate. The author points to several weaknesses in the current incarceration approach to crime prevention: most inmates return to their communities for better or for worse, there is a large turnover of prisoners across the country, most offenders are never caught or imprisoned, and recidivism rates indicate that prison-based efforts at inmate rehabilitation are not effective. The author suggests the formation of a President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice, and consideration of a moratorium on prison construction.