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Ministry Could Release Crime Survey Data
Ministry Could Release Crime Survey Data but Has Chosen Not To
Thursday 4 Jul 2002
ACT leader Richard Prebble, in response to Phil Goff's claim that the five-yearly survey of crime victims results don't exist, said he had a letter from the Justice Ministry acknowledging the data's existence.
"I have a letter signed by Susan Howan, the acting deputy secretary, crime prevention and criminal justice, which states that there are no `public interest considerations which render it desirable to release this information'.
"The survey was completed last year and the report was due to be published in May this year. The claim that they can't collate the figures is not credible.
"The information I've received is that the survey shows violent crime has increased significantly. This is backed up by police statistics that show violent crime has increased under both National and Labour.
"Mr Goff fails to mention that the data held by the Ministry of Justice is owned by the taxpayer. The Ministry could release the data but has chosen not to.
"If the crime statistics were favourable to the government, you can be sure the Minister would be on the TV news tonight broadcasting the fact," Mr Prebble said.
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