> invariably all of them have figured out non-punitive methods of crime reduction that are far more effective than jail

Well.. large segments of our populations commit very little crime. But when crime is committed, the police and the justice system are useless. Convicted for the 350th burglary? They'll be let out again and maybe be back tomorrow, if the prosecutor even bothers prosecuting them since it's pointless.

So DO look at us for crime prevention but NOT for managing crime when it happens.