As someone on the sideline of politics, I am enjoying the robust conversation and debate we are currently seeing around law and order, gangs, youth crime and justice in general.
I am the first person to admit that what we have been seeing in our communities over recent years is terrible, sad, and disturbing, especially given what seems to be an escalating out of control justice and crime problem.
National have introduced new policies on youth crime and gangs and have even talked about rehabilitation issues which is great, but the question remains will, or even can, their policies work. This leads me to asking the question, as to why we are not implementing or discussing good reasoned effective proven policy that we know works and has been proven over time.
We need to understand what is driving these crimes and by understanding the driver of crime then can start addressing this politically, where currently we have no understanding, and the solution is and has always been to incarcerate our people.
In recent blogs, I have mentioned the Norwegian corrections system as a leader worldwide, and when we look carefully at it, not only is it hugely successful, cost effective and productive, it is being trialed and used in many countries that are commonly known as punitive.
The Norwegian corrections rehabilitation system is strongly supported and promoted by our own ex-prime minister, Helen Clark, worthy of recognition even in the United States of America, one of the most incarcerated populations in the world.
Thirty years ago, Sweden introduced policy that was researched and understood, but more importantly worked, bringing their current reoffending rate to less than 20% from the 60-70% it was previously. Not only has this been a success for the people in their prisons but also an economic success for their country.
I welcome comments and I hope this blog opens discussion around policy announcements by all political parties, as it is my belief that we can implement any amount of policy we like but if it isn’t researched, understood, and proven to have worked, it too will become another failure and another burden on the taxpayer in more ways than one.
Jackie Foster, CEO, Social Justice Aotearoa
ACT’s policy…
https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/national/violence-simply-breeds-violence-at-youth-justice-facilities/ar-AA1dGhjB?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=66af47c1418d431d8d274ed480d38faf&ei=19
That’ll learn them.
Perhaps the article could have told us more about how the Norwegian system works.
Having done a short lag at his majesty’s pleasure, I have seen the need for moderated mma style fights overseen by prison staff.
As crazy as it sounds, its the best way for 2 bucks to sort their shit out lest it escalate into something involving gangs and weapons.
Handwringing over the ‘disturbing’ optics of violence, though making for faux outrage amongst the general public will not diminish the violence nor will it generate any meaningful policy.
Standing down staff who can see the benefits of controlled violence amongst inmates while there is a chronic shortage of corrections staff only makes the problem worse if it leads to increased isolation, festering resentment and worsening instances or uncontrolled aggression.
It’s not like the general public give a fuck about what goes on inside anyway. Neither do politicians who only want to use instances of prison violence to score cheap points against the opposition care either.
If 2 people want to sort their shit out once and for all and providing there are rules to ensure the safety of themselves and others in limiting injuries, I say let em.
A very valuable insight BwaV. A boxing or wrestling ring with rules would be acceptable, but I find a rampage in a cell hard to justify.
Is violence really the answer? isn’t that what we are trying to get rid of.
That is exactly what we are trying to stop.
I’m an advocate of the norwegian system pope but there is a problem scandis are civilised people educated to appreciate their mistakes kiwis are not
Can you tell us more about the Norwegian system please.
https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-48885846
The Norwegian have gas and oil to afford these policies we have cows shitting everywhere to produce milk power.
And no Polynesian people Steve….This must have an effect on our stats….
Stephen the Norwegian system would save us so much money. Economic sense I say.
The problem is severe under funding, and the “left” not wanting to spend any money on prisons. Without facilities and staff we can’t even start rehabilitation.
Besides, society itself needs rehab at this point, and cultural differences mean you can’t just drop in a foreign rehab program and expect it to work here – there’s no such thing as 100% proven.
i struggle to understand where 12 billion dollars went last year. As Jackie said in one of her previous blogs the eye watering amount of money being spent is a disgrace and with no results.
“There are ‘unintended consequences of prison on people, their families, and their health,’ and perhaps a change in environment can potentially reduce some of this collateral psychological and physical damage.” Nelson Mandela.
The below article is an amazing endorsement of the vision and argument Social Justice Aotearoa has for our prison system.
Where we see a system that is being trialled in America, one of the more punitive countries in the modern world, it speaks volumes about its success.
Gone must be the days of repetitive political policy that repeatedly fails us, leaving us searching for answers years down the track.
Please read article below for more info
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-people-interested-norwegian-prison-system-nina-hanssen/
Excellent start Jackie. What is certain is, if we keep doing the same thing (locking people up under inhumane conditions) we will keep getting the same results (deteriorating statistics). From all accounts the Norwegian system is a good place to start, but maybe with an Aotearoa twist. What is obvious is the need to address the drivers of criminal behaviour – until we do that no amount of rehab/punishment will change the trajectory we are on.
Great comments and totally agree.
In Norway there isn’t a segment of society that believes they are permanent victims of colonisation who are owed everything. That is why a Scandinavian-esque rehabilitation-focused justice system will not work here. Source: trust me bro
You are correct and maybe the colonised victims are correct in their belief. I have certainly been a victim of and have seen the effects of colonisation.
But hey thanks for putting this out there so should any serious effort be put into solving the issue it can be considered in the solution.
Captain while your white bed sheets are drying next to a burning cross, you might want you to reflect on the fact that over representation per head of population doesn’t actually mean you are the only group in prison.
the issue isn’t the rightness or wrongness of feeling colonisation but of dead and beaten victims…end of ‘excuses ‘ just give permission to crims