A Member’s Bill entered into the biscuit tin will provide Police with new powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour and those who intimidate their fellow New Zealanders, Hamilton East MP Ryan Hamilton says.

“Since the election, our Government has made significant progress in restoring law and order. Violent crime, victimisations, assaults and serious assaults are all down, and we’ve put more cops on the beat to make Kiwis feel safe.

“However, communities across New Zealand are sick of having to put up with those who continue to engage in persistent anti-social behaviour, intimidation, and public disturbances in key community spaces. Kiwis shouldn’t have to face this nonsense in their town centres, transport hubs, parks and schools.

“Current enforcement tools available to Police can either be too limited or overly formal for early intervention. There is a need for a more proportionate, flexible tool that empowers Police to take swift, preventative action before more serious offences occur and harm escalates.

“That’s why my Bill would allow Police to direct a person or group to move on from a specified area and not return for up to 24 hours where their presence or behaviour is causing, or likely to cause:

• Harassment, alarm, or distress to members of the public
• A public nuisance
• Disorder or anti-social behaviour.

“A direction may be issued verbally or in writing, and failure to comply would be an offence, unless the person had a reasonable excuse for non-compliance.

“Comporable legislation is used successfully throughout Australia, and local Police that I have talked to in Hamilton are hugely supportive of these changes.

“I’m hoping that my Bill is pulled from the biscuit tin, so I can continue this important conversation with New Zealanders.”

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