Strategy to Change Public Attitudes Towards Crime and Punishment

Rethinking Crime and Punishment’s latest ‘Smart on Crime’ e-Pub series, will help people to grapple with new ideas about ‘what works’ to reduce crime and social harm, says spokesperson, Kim Workman. The publication, titled “What Do I Have to Do to Change Your Mind’ takes a close look at why people resist new ideas about crime and punishment, and strategies to overcome resistance to change.

“In our discussions with politicians, media, public servants and community and iwi organisations, we have been struck by the number of innovative and creative ideas for reducing crime and social harm.” Says Kim Workman.” But new ways of thinking about crime and justice inevitably meet with resistance, from some politicians, the media, public servants and members of the public, even when these ideas are supported by strong evidence.”

“This latest publication will help people understand why we resist new ideas about crime and punishment, and recommends strategies to change public opinions and attitudes. We think this is the first local publication aimed at general readership which takes this issue head-on. It looks at how our values and attitudes are formed and Influenced; ‘what works’ to shift public thinking about crime and punishment, and long term strategies to change public attitudes.”

“The feedback pre-release, is that this publication will be a valuable tool for parliamentarians, the media, public policy advisers, and the public, in discussing and implementing changes to the criminal justice system.”

“What Do I Have to do to Change Your Mind’ is available online either as an ePub or pdf version athttp://www.rethinking.org.nz/Default.aspx?page=5347.

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