Thursday, 12 November 2009, 3:14 pm Press Release: ACT New Zealand
International Trend For Tougher Stance On Crime David
Garrett MP, ACT New Zealand Thursday, November 12
2009
The British Government’s decision to increase
minimum sentences for knife attacks to 25 years – an
increase of 10 years - is part of a growing trend in western
countries recognising that law and order policies treating
offenders as victims do not work, ACT New Zealand Law &
Order Spokesman David Garrett said today.
“Statistics
show that a punitive approach to law and order can
dramatically reduce the frequency of serious offences – as
proven in California where ‘Three Strikes’ has seen a 65
percent reduction in homicide and violent crime," Mr Garrett
said.
“In order to protect our communities and reduce
serious violent offences, we must ensure the penalties are
such that criminals are incentivised to change their
behaviour. ACT’s ‘Three Strikes’ policy does just
that – creating a strong incentive for criminals to amend
their behaviour or face a lengthy jail sentenc
“Opponents of ‘Three Strikes’ in New Zealand have
claimed that a punitive approach to crime is draconian and
describe it as a backward step in the treatment of
criminals. The British Government’s announcement,
however, proves that countries similar to ours do not share
those sentiments.
"A tougher stance on violent crime is
the way forward. Britain has taken a stand – so must
we,” Mr Garrett said.
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