Will's Word: Tough on crime isn't always best

This is a transcript from Will’s Word on Tuesday, 14th of May.

It’s understood Police Commissioner Andrew Coster will be making an announcement today on new measures to crackdown on gangs and anti social behaviour.

While the details are pretty light it’ll no doubt help to bolster the National led Government’s 'tough on crime' image.

Now don’t get me wrong, I absolutely think something has to be done when it comes to gangs and anti-social behaviour, especially as crime seems to be so rampant at the moment.

But what about implementing rehabilitation measures to stop people turning to a life of crime in the first place?

I’m not hearing much about the Government’s plan to do that.

It seems all you hear from this coalition is how they’re going to be hard, how they’re going to crack down, how they’re going to be tough.

But what about taking some care with your approach too?

The last thing you want to do is alienate people further, and in my view a tough approach isn’t always the best.

So it’ll be interesting to see what this announcement from Police will be, let’s just hope it strikes the right balance.

…. That’s Will’s Word.

Watch the full video of Will's Word on Pacific Mornings: