What form of crime control meets Augustine’s ideal?

The U.S. is approximately 5% of the world population, yet has over 20% of the world’s prison population. The U.S. rate of incarceration has increased over 500% in the last 40 years. Yet, two out of every three people released from prison will commit another crime within five years. Further, incarceration disproportionately impacts the poor and minorities. There is perhaps no other single issue so intricately tied to all the other social justice issues on this site, including racism, poverty, addiction and immigration.

Is there a better alternative? Yes, it is called restorative justice and here are the ways Augustinians work to create a more Augustinian form of crime control.