The debunking of science by McVicar is somewhat contrary — it is often scientific evidence that brings convictions. Perhaps he wants to go back to accusing and judging by the mob that led to the burning of heretics and witches?
The report clearly shows that the policy direction we have been following of increasing sentences and locking up all manner of offenders is not having any effect other than filling our prisons to over-flowing. New Zealand's prison population today is 10,588 — up from about 8000 four years ago.
I feel I can comment on this subject, having worked in a past life as a social worker in a prison.
Then, I came to the conclusion that a small number of those serving a prison sentence left determined to never ever come back. There was another relatively small proportion who should remain imprisoned because they will always be a danger to the community.
The middle of this bell curve of inmates is filled with the largest group — the ones who come in and out of prison as if via a revolving door until they get older, wiser and eventually discover crime does not pay.
This is the group the system is failing — prison contains them for a time but that is all. Now our prisons are full and nothing changes.
We have had the populist catchcry to be "tough on crime" with minimal effect on re-offending rates. Longer sentences are touted as a deterrent but it is doubtful that an offender ponders how long they might go to prison for prior to a fight, an armed robbery or a murder. They do get very engaged with that fact once charged and appearing in court, but it has not stopped the person from offending.
Gluckman's report noted that crime rates are actually falling. This is attributed to a drop in property crime with better security — more CCTV, better lighting in streets, the difficulty of stealing modern cars and other prevention factors, mixed with more effective policing strategies.
To quote the report directly: "This is completely at odds with the populist assumption that it is by putting specific offenders into larger prisons that crime will fall."
This does not fit with McVicar who argues that the fall in crime is because groups such as his Sensible Sentencing Trust have lobbied for tougher and longer sentences that lock away crims to prevent them offending. The hole in that argument is that the high rates of re-offending mean imprisonment is only a temporary fix.
The justice system needs to implement an effective rehabilitation process, with more community-based sentences that incorporate learning skills that are of value to the community.
Of wider concern in the pronouncements of McVicar is the dogged dissing of science, as attacks on science are happening across a wide range of issues. It is dismissed by climate change deniers, racial bigots, anti-fluoride campaigners, flat earthers, virtually all conspiracy theorists and most authoritarian regimes. Does he see himself in that crowd?
Footnote: Oddly enough most of those in that line-up would readily accept the benefits of medical science if their health was at risk.
■ Terry Sarten (aka Tel) is a social worker, writer and musician — feedback welcome: tgs@inspire.net.nz
