Regarding the treatment of criminals, two options may sound reasonable: jail terms and rehabilitation programmes. I believe rehabilitation programmes are more valuable. Although rehabilitation programmes often come at great costs to the public, imprisonment of criminals can be much more expensive. Its psychological costs are even higher if we consider the fact that it deprives criminals of their freedom, while rehabilitation provides offenders with self-respect. When it comes to the prevention of crimes, rehabilitation equips criminals with the ability to make a living, which will reduce their chance of committing a crime again. In fact, education and training not only offer criminals more career options, they may will lead to productive lives after the programme finishes. To some people, it may seem unfair that criminals receive tax-funded education and training. But it is not so unfair if we understand that it is in everybody's interest to reintroduce these people back into social life. For all these reasons, I think rehabilitation programmes are necessary. Through them, criminals not only acquire skills, but learn about the importance of socially acceptable behaviour as well.