Tackling Crime

Building a Safer New Zealand.

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Taking Action on Violent Crime

National is delivering on our promise to take action on violent crime. We’ve passed 18 new laws to help make families safer in their homes and communities.

We’re addressing the drivers of crime by clamping down on gangs and P, investing in new programmes to turn young offenders away from crime, and confronting binge-drinking culture.

Tougher Sentencing and Bail Laws

• Maximum jail sentences with no parole for the worst serious violent offenders under the Three Strikes law.
• Stronger bail laws.
• Tougher sentences for crimes against children.

Boosting Police

• 600 extra police on the frontline by the end of 2011.
• 720 Tasers for frontline police.
• DNA testing of offenders arrested for serious offences.
• Car crushing laws and tougher penalties for repeat drink-drivers to make our roads safer.

More Effective Prisons

• 1000 extra places for prisoner employment and job training.
• Doubling drug and alcohol treatment places for prisoners.
• Private management of Mt Eden Corrections Facility.

Putting Victims First

• $50 Offender Levy to fund 13 new services for victims.
• Police safety orders to help prevent domestic violence.

Addressing the Drivers of Crime

Clamping down on Gangs and P

• War on drugs with a crackdown on precursors and drug supply chains. Over 30kg of P valued at $30 million seized in 2010.
• New powers for police to intercept gang communications and dismantle gang fortifications.
• New specialist police unit is seizing the proceeds of crime.

Fresh Start for Young Offenders

• $72.4 million over four years for new youth justice initiatives designed to turn young offenders away from crime.
• 2957 places a year by the end of 2011 for young offenders in new youth programmes including military-style activity camps.

Confronting Alcohol Problems

• Alcohol law reform seeks to reduce alcohol-related harm, including crime, disorder, and public health problems.

Next steps: Budget 2011

• $157 million extra over 2 years to build safer communities. Boosting access to justice and increasing public safety.
• $103 million for legal aid over 2 years while the Government addresses longer-term sustainability issues facing the system.
• $4 million extra for community law centres to ensure access to justice for vulnerable people.
• $8.3 million for the Serious Fraud Office over 2 years to continue the fight against white collar crime.