Don’t believe in the death penalty, although that’s mainly because I don’t see it as a punishment. It’s an easy way out. I believe that most criminals deserve a chance at redemption and turning their lives round after serving their time.
However, some crimes (pre-mediated murder/serial murder, noncing, rape) require a level of deviancy that I don’t believe can safely be (or should be) rehabilitated. Whole ilife sentence in the most very basic conditions. Yes it costs but I’d pay more tax in return for noncing to be a full life term at the first offence. The mind boggles that someome with a sexual interest in children can escape jail or be given a short sentence. Even if it’s viewing sick websites it’s a precursor to worse… just lock them up forever.
As for the old bill. I’ve had good and bad experiences. Got a right kicking in the street when I was pinched for fighting in my early twenties (deserved it to be fair) but a really decent detective looked after me and a few mates when the CPS brought charges following a serious assault. He was genuinely upset when the gang got suspended sentences. My Nan’s sister‘s husband is a retired copper and is a right racist twat.