Which of the following is considered a problem with the continuum of sanctions?

The correct answer highlights a significant concern within the continuum of sanctions approach, which is designed to provide a range of punishment options that match the severity of the offense and individual circumstances. The risk of widening the net of offenders refers to the phenomenon where implementing a broader range of sanctions can inadvertently lead to more individuals being monitored or penalized than would have been under traditional punitive measures. This can include those who may have previously avoided formal sanctioning systems.

For instance, when alternative sanctions such as probation or electronic monitoring are employed, individuals who might not have faced punishment in the past could now find themselves ensnared in a system of oversight. This can lead to increased surveillance of lower-level offenders who might otherwise have received less severe consequences or no sanctions at all, resulting in a larger population under correctional control.

In contrast, increased oversight of offenders can be part of a structured approach to managing risk but doesn't represent a problem in itself. While higher costs associated with implementation can be a concern in budget-constrained environments, it is not directly tied to the conceptual issue of the continuum of sanctions being too expansive. A decrease in prison population can actually be seen as a positive outcome of the continuum of sanctions, as it suggests that alternatives to incarceration are being successfully utilized.