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Archived Press Releases 2003 26th November 2003

Human Rights Abuse or Common Sense?

(26th November 2003)

Well for goodness sake, how pathetic and politically correct can we get!! The Sensible Sentencing Trust is outraged that the police are coming under fire and being publicly attacked for their use of the "Youth Diversion Scheme".

In an article in the Sunday Star Times 23-11-03, a top Queen's Counsel says it is against the law for police to parade young lawbreakers in public wearing bright orange vests, and maybe in breach of their "human rights".

But Garth McVicar, spokesman for the Sensible Sentencing Trust strongly disagrees.

How pathetic and out of touch with the real world is this QC? How many victims has Q C Duffy met? These young people are being given an opportunity to mend their ways before they become entrenched a Justice system that offers a bulk discount for bulk offending. These young offenders have broken the law, they are being given the opportunity to attend the diversion scheme rather than be processed through the normal Court system that has become more of a "recycling centre" with a 97% re-offending rate. What is more the police have the parents permission.

The scheme is operating in my hometown of Napier and also in other areas of New Zealand with great results, holding these kids accountable and responsible is reducing offending, it is working for goodness sake!!.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust questions the motives of someone who is involved in this country's biggest growth industry (our criminal justice system) being critical of a scheme that is forcing young people to confront the reality of their offending.

We at Sensible Sentencing are dealing with the horrific results and consequences of violent criminals who have never been forced to face the reality of their offending.

Rather than criticise the police Q C Duffy should be congratulating them for having the initiative for introducing a project that is reducing the level of crime and reducing the number of victim's, said Mr McVicar.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.