MPs invited to tour US prisons | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

Sensible Sentencing Trust founder Mr McVicar has sent an open letter to all members of Parliament inviting them to join him on the trip to Arizona and New York.

The offer was prompted by Bill English's comments on the "fiscal and moral" failure of prisons.

"The trust had decided to challenge MPs to have a first-hand look at alternative systems that would save 'mega-bucks' and reduce crime at the same time," Mr McVicar said.

"New Zealand has faithfully followed the British model of crime and punishment even though it has failed there - the same as it is failing here.

"This isn't about what 'feels-good' or fits a particular ideology, this is about being open-minded enough to simply have a look."

Mr McVicar said he agreed with Mr English that our prisons were a failure, but that it was the fault of prison policy.

He didn't want to see more prisons built, but also wanted to see a significant drop in crime and number of victims.

"What I experienced in Arizona I believe has huge potential here - particularly for low-level offenders.

"Bill English said he welcomed people 'knocking down his door with new ideas' so we are accepting the challenge and inviting Mr English and all MPs to actually come to Arizona and New York and see what really works."