[02:50pm 20/08/2018] - For Immediate Use
PRESS RELEASE: People Against Prisons Aotearoa

Criminal justice experts condemn announcement of 1800 new police

Criminal justice research organisation People Against Prisons Aotearoa (PAPA) says the government putting 1800 more frontline police officers on the streets will not make us safer.

“There is no reason to believe New Zealand has a shortage of police officers,” says PAPA spokeswoman Emilie Rākete. “The problems we face in our communities are poverty, desperation, and deprivation. New Zealand is experiencing record low crime rates. More cops will not improve conditions in our communities.”

According to Rākete, this announcement is completely contrary to the government’s promise of reducing the prison population by 30%.

“Put simply, more cops means there will be more people in prison,” says Rākete.

“Our prisons are currently swollen far beyond their capacity. New Zealand needs to be beginning the process of decarceration, not sending out more officers to round people up.”

“This government says it wants to present a new plan for New Zealand, but this announcement is a repeat of the same stale policy that National coasted on for 9 years.”

“Investing in hundreds of new police officers instead of in jobs, infrastructure, or education will continue the social conditions which cause our prison crisis. We need economic justice, not more cops.”

ENDS

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