Maori statistics in the criminal justice system...
It's being suggested racial profiling could be behind a disproportionate number of Maori in the criminal justice system
It's being suggested racial profiling could be behind a disproportionate number of Maori in the criminal justice system.
Rethinking Crime and Punishment is calling for a research institute to be established to look into why the system is dominated by Maori.
Director Kim Workman says Maori are imprisoned at a rate of over seven times that of non-Maori, and are 11 times more likely to be refused bail.
"That should be telling us that something is wrong with the way the criminal justice system is administered," Mr Workman says.
He says there's been little action taken by any government to look into what's behind the statistics, and if we could work out what the causes are, the number of Maori going through the system could be reduced.
According to Mr Workman, there's evidence of racial bias towards Maori, as they are more likely to be stopped and questioned by police.
"Because they're stopped and questioned more, are more likely to find out stuff, like they haven't got a current warrant of fitness, or their seatbelt's not properly fixed. And so they end up getting charged more.
"That leads to a deterioration of relationships, and can actually end up with some of those kids who might have avoided having a criminal record, getting one." Mr Workman says.
KR says: There may be some truth, but the facts will determine that whatever the reason New Zealanders of Maori descent get into trouble with the law, use drugs and abuse alcohol. They head statistics concerning gang activity in NZ too. Some will say they may have that addictive gene, and warrior behaviour. Actually it is a load of baloney - there is nothing brave in how young Maori, mainly, abuse women and children and kill babies!
