The book charts the magnitude of the United States’ recent experiment in increasing imprisonment and considers how much, if at all, it has made the country safer from violent crime. It examines some of the arguments in support of the experiment and finds them wanting. It shows that the best prevention programs aimed at vulnerable children, youth, and families can be much more effective in reducing crime than further increases in incarceration. The book also shows that violent crime in the United States is closely linked to the persistence of extremes of poverty and inequality, and outlines some practical initiatives for fighting violent crime by increasing social supports and opportunities for the most vulnerable citizens. Further, it argues that refocusing the criminal justice system away from simply reacting to crime and toward preventing harm and reintegrating offenders into the community can also bring significant dividends in reducing violence. Notes, index