The Social Plague of Crime and Criminals Here we are today moving rapidly towards the twenty first century, facing the same problems we endured for centuries in the past. Earthquakes shake the earth, floods destroy cities, and crime is more serious than ever. Some of our most serious problems are natural occurrences which we can not control. Crime and criminals are a societal plague that we can at least attempt to alter. If a crime is committed the justice system can punish the offender. That sounds logical enough. Punishment is implemented to change the behavior patterns , and prevent recidivism. What then is the outcome when probation, parole, prison time, or communit