I believe in punishment but I also believe it is not always the right way as I believe punishment can worsen those hateful feelings against police or society. I don't believe punishment alone can bring some criminal back on the right trail. It only gives them anxiety to do it again.
I believe it is often the culture and people one surrounds himself with who influence a person and his actions. Not always though but I believe I could have been a totally different person with other friends.
I believe that people who commit bad crimes should indeed be punished and go to jail, but more important, they should be guided with therapy. I don't believe that only jail can make a person good. And I don't believe people become better if others make them feel like they are one big mistake. They should learn how to understand their own feelings and the feelings of others. And I also do believe people can change with the right guidance (Although I am not sure if sociopaths can change)
By the way, I admire it that you give your friends and people you know a call around this time of the year to stay connected and see how things are going & wish them nice holidays. I guess I am from the less social generation who just send Whatsapp messages.