Bate cars are placed in high-crime areas, have unambiguous ownership (read: anybody trying to drive away with it is trying to steal it) and are easier to stake out than an entire neighborhood of cars. They require less manpower per arrest. Furthermore, bate cars can be rigged to trap the suspect in the car, eliminating the possibility of dangerous car chases.
I am not bullish on punishment. I am instead interested in protecting the public. Imprisonment is useful not because it punishes criminals but because it prevents the criminals from victimizing the general public. Punishment itself serves little purpose (I don't believe that punishment as a deterrent is particularly effective). Rehabilitation is useful, though imprisonment during rehabilitation is often necessary (rehabilitation is not an out-patient procedure). America needs to work on it's rehabilitation, but in the meantime arresting criminals remains necessary.
I am not bullish on punishment. I am instead interested in protecting the public. Imprisonment is useful not because it punishes criminals but because it prevents the criminals from victimizing the general public. Punishment itself serves little purpose (I don't believe that punishment as a deterrent is particularly effective). Rehabilitation is useful, though imprisonment during rehabilitation is often necessary (rehabilitation is not an out-patient procedure). America needs to work on it's rehabilitation, but in the meantime arresting criminals remains necessary.