Law and order policies 'no magic bullet' on crime and gangs - experts

Law and order seems a likely hot topic again in next year's election, but experts say many proposed policies would be ineffective, Political Reporter Anneke Smith writes. "There's no magic bullet to crime prevention or crime reduction ... political parties can use and abuse crime statistics," - Criminologist Trevor Bradley Law and order is shaping up as a hot topic for next year's election, but experts say crime is not as bad as it's been portrayed and many proposed policies would be ineffective. Listen to the full podcast hereThe government has been under pressure over recent ram raids, daylight burglaries, and an outbreak of gang violence fuelled by tensions between the Tribesmen and Killer Beez in Auckland.Former Police Minister Poto Williams brought in a $6 million crime prevention fund to help local retailers, and said Aucklanders should "absolutely" expect a decrease in gun crime. But she struggled to fend off the constant attacks from the opposition benches and, in June, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern brought in one of her most loyal and capable ministers - Chris Hipkins - to replace Williams. Hipkins promised quick progress and soon announced expanded police search and seize powers along with a broadened definition of intimidation with a firearm offences. Notably however, he didn't do what opposition party National is calling for - their own election policy - of cracking down on gang insignia and gatherings. Party leader Christopher Luxon has consistently criticised the government as soft on crime, soft on the gangs, and ineffective. His prospective coalition partner, the ACT Party, announced its own suite of law and order polices in Auckland this week to the support of local businesses. On top of gang-focused policies, the party would increase police powers to seize assets, repeal firearms laws, and reinstate the recently repealed three strikes law with additional inclusion of burglary to the list of 'strike' offences.Read more:Business backs ACT's plan for instant penalties for young offendersFirearms Prohibition Order Bill passes third readingGovernment preparing apology, new redress system for abuse survivorsGang crackdown: National, Greens unimpressed, expert approves 'measured' approachPolice Minister announces new measures to help tackle gangsJustice Minister says 'prevention and intervention' crucial to dealing with violent crimeBoth parties have continued to characterise crime as rising uncontrollably, but Victoria University of Wellington criminology senior lecturer Trevor Bradley says politicians need a reality check. …Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details