Police reply

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 443, 14 July 1992, Page 4

Police reply

• In response to the Sentiments expressed in the letters from "Local Yokel", "Shattered" and "Concerned" I would like to make the following observations: Undoubtedly the current social circumstances do have an influence on offending. I realise some members of our community have been placed under greater pressure by the current economic policies of government. However to use this as an excuse for criminal offending, and to threaten further offending is at best grossly unfair to the community and at worst an unacceptable form of blackmail. There are a number of legitimate forms of protest to bring government's attention to general dissatisfaction with current social policies. Secondly over hundreds/maybe thousands of years communities have been trying to develop an equitable and effective method of criminal punishment and rehabilitation. The system we have is not perfect. However, alterations to that system need to be carefully considered before being implemented. We have in the past suffered from ill conceived "Improvements". Immediately after a spate of highly visible and emotive offending such as we have just suffered is not the right time to consider long-term improvements to the criminal justice system. Finally the laws of this country apply equally to ALL of its residents, all groups of any community no matter their occupation. Whenever an offence is committed and brought to the Police attention it will be investigated to the best of our ability and within the constraints of our resources. Whenever we find sufficient evidence to substantiate a charge against any person we will take what we consider the appropriate action in that instance. However the most basic requirement for us to fulfil this function is an inflow of information from all sections of the community and the trust of that community.

RN

Evans

Sgt Ohakune Police