What is the primary focus of intervention within the criminal justice system?

The primary focus of intervention within the criminal justice system is to protect public health, safety, and welfare. This encompasses not only the enforcement of laws but also the overall goal of maintaining social order and ensuring that the public is safe from harm. The justice system serves as a mechanism to address criminal behavior and transgressions, which directly affects the community's wellbeing.

In context, while rehabilitation of offenders is a significant aspect of the justice system, it is often secondary to the overarching goal of public safety. Interventions are designed to assess risks posed by individuals who may engage in harmful behaviors, thereby prioritizing the safety of the community. Similarly, while threatening incarceration can be a motivator for change, it does not directly address the protective aspect of public welfare. The option emphasizing keeping chronic, chemically dependent persons off the streets pertains to a specific demographic and does not capture the broader public health focus central to interventions in the justice system.

Overall, by emphasizing the protection of public health, safety, and welfare, the criminal justice system aims to balance the need for accountability with the importance of maintaining a secure environment for all citizens.