Source: (2006) Auckland, NZ: Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit.
This discussion document has been written to contribute to the debate in New Zealand
surrounding the increasing number of people being imprisoned. The issues surrounding
our justice system in general, and prisons in particular are complex. The question of
New Zealand’s imprisonment rate is inter-linked with many others. Issues relating to crime
prevention, family and community functioning, values, and the structure and operation
of our criminal justice system are relevant to any discussion about prison. Given this
complexity it is probably not surprising that the literature surrounding the topic of prison
is mountainous, the data complicated, and both are often not user-friendly to the
non-expert. One discussion document cannot offer a comprehensive review of the
literature, explain all the data, or cover all the issues pertinent to prisons and we have
not attempted to so do. What we aim to do is offer an accessible discussion of the central
concerns with respect to New Zealand’s levels of imprisonment. This paper therefore
provides some factual information about the reality of New Zealand’s imprisonment rate,
and using key New Zealand and international secondary research, identifies some of
the problems with our current situation and potential alternatives to it. This discussion
document is a starting point that invites further debate, research and action. (excerpt)
Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.
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