Law and order gains would unravel under Labour   17 Nov 2011

Labour would wind back the clock on the gains that have been made in law and order, National’s Law and Order Spokeswoman Judith Collins says.

Labour's justice spokesman, Charles Chauvel, said that Labour would eliminate jail sentences of less than six months because they are of "zero utility".

“Over the past three years, terrific progress has been made improving the safety of our communities,” Ms Collins says.

“Recorded crime is down 8.2 per cent over the past two years, we have hundreds more Police at the front line, the prison population has had the biggest decrease in 80 years, confidence in Police continues to rise and people feel safer.

“Under Labour, these gains would start to unravel very quickly and the justice system would swing back in favour of criminals, rather than victims.

“By repealing the Three Strikes law, Labour would let the worst, repeat, violent offenders back into the community earlier where they can create more victims.

“By abolishing sentences of less than six months, Labour would give criminals a free pass to commit so-called ‘minor’ crimes such as drug possession and car theft without being called to account.

“This would send a terrible message to offenders that they can commit these crimes and the only consequence will be some counselling.

“Widening the use of diversion by removing Police discretion for people caught committing offences under the influence of drugs or alcohol would give criminals a ready-made excuse to get off scott-free.

“Minor offending almost always leads to more serious offending.

“The only people who will support Labour’s soft approach to law and order are interest groups who believe the best way to stop crime is to pander to criminals, and the criminals themselves,” Ms Collins says.

(New Zealand National Party)

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