Chester Borrows: Report a stark reminder justice system is busted

A new report reveals an overwhelming sense of desperation and frustration with our justice system. Key themes include the over-representation of Maori, the silo approach of government departments and a jargonistic court system. The report was produced by the Safe and Effective Justice Advisory Group. Chair Chester Borrows, who has worked in the justice sector for over 40 years, says he's not surprised by what's come through. "I'm always shocked at how blunt a lot of the bad behaviour and the bad responses people get is." He says the report is a voice from the public. "A voice that's largely been unheard and it's a pretty stark reminder that people don't think the Justice System is working very well at all." Speaking to The Weekend Collective, Borrows says that the Police Commissioner has admitted himself that Police have been engaging in habits that are considered racists for some decades. He says that evidence shows that people who are Maori going through the justice system are more likely to be prosecuted or receive a longer and harsher sentence. "If you say 'are Justices racist', well, it's pretty public for them to make this accusation, and that's what we are hearing." Borrows' report has also found that victims find the court process as traumatic as the crime that was committed against them. Borrows wants to see an end to the 'silo' approach of all the organisations within the justice system, and is calling for a new, 'joined-up view' that will see a collective approach to tackling these issues. "We need to do something about it. It's all our job as New Zealanders." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.