‘They are half a track behind’

Press, 21 December 1978, Page 17

‘They are half a track behind’

Increasing interest in the gangs by the Maori community in particular is encouraging a positive response from gang leaders.

“The meeting of Polynesian gang leaders and their members on the marae gave these guys the feeling that they were back with their own people,” according to Constable Murray Le Fevre, who has been the police liaison officer with gangs in Christchurch since 1972.

“It matters a hang of a lot,” says Charlie, adviser to the Mongrel Mob. “The gang situation is now as good as it’s ever been. It can get better though.

“The recent trouble brought all us Maoris on to the marae. Before, when we were in trouble, we didn’t know which way to turn.”

Like many other young second and third generation urban Maoris, the gang members lack the guidance and caring of the elders in the traditional Maori family. The interest of the city’s elders is helping to plug that need. The marae, capturing the essence of Maoridom, was an appropriate meeting place.

Lou Hau, is a key figure in the liaison between the gangs, community groups, and the police. Appointed by the Polynesian Support Group in October, he became closely involved with the gangs during the flare-up between Black Power and Epitaph. A former carpenter. Lou Hau is virtually on call 24 hours a day to deal with problems. Because he is not tied to any government department he works with a free hand, but he regularly consults the elders. His job is to sort out the problems of any young Polynesians who need help, to find them work, or just to be a friend to them.

“We need him,” says Charlie, in a matter of fact way.

The Polynesian Support Group was itself formed in May to cope with the growth in gangs and the

increasing numbers of Polynesians on the streets. Group members need security, love, and affection like anyone else, says Mr Bill Edwards, of the Maori Affairs Department. Some had been hammered around by their parents and given to their grandparents. “They are half a track behind and need comfort and support.” Part of the reason for the violence by some members is because they are not able to internalise the anger they feel. The involvement of the elders helped. “They have been sitting in their castles for too long,” Mr Edwards says.

However, they were usually called in only when there was a prospect of gang warfare, or if a person in authority was involved, Charlie says. More help, in certain areas, was needed from them.

As liaison officer, Murray Le Fevre is the policeman who has most to do with the gangs. He agrees that methods in dealing with gangs have changed recently. “The police have come to realise that they’ve got to have some communication with gangs. The Maori community has realised that it also has a role to play.” Dressed in old jeans and an open-necked checked shirt, he does not fit the stereotype of a trim blueuniformed policeman. His down-to-earth attitudes are just as important to his job as his informal appearance.

He often drops in at the members’ club houses where he is offered a cup of tea or a glass of beer. He can get unusual reactions. For some he is the only policeman they have talked to who is not moving them along or arresting them. In six years he has never had a hand raised against him by gang members, he says. Many members were “out-of-Town-ers” and the gang they joined became their family.”

Some of the problems that crop up between gangs can be resolved by

finding out whether the rumours that are causing so much anger are true. Most of the time they are not, he says. Christchurch has a unique situation in relation to its gangs. The Black Power, Highway 61, and Mongrel Mob will talk and mix together. In other centres they do not. The Epitaph Riders keep to themselves and only retaliate if attacked. Most of the beatings attributed to gangs are carried out by one or two members. “They’re going to do it whether they’re in gangs or not,” says Constable Le Fevre. However, there were very few incidents involving the whole gang, which at times is baited by members of the public. According to Baldie, the

Black Power leader, much of the trouble that erupts happens when small issues get out of proportion. A beat constable ma v tell a member to move on in a sharp manner. An argument develops, and if the policeman threatens to bring charges the gang member feels he “might as well assault after a certain point.”

The Highway 61 group is one of the gangs which makes use of the police escort service whenever it visits other centres. Members find that this is the best way of avoding problems of police interference at each centre, says P.T. On these trips the escort police usually get on well with the group, and drink with them at the various stops.

The frequent contact be

tween gangs and the police means that problems , when they occur, are much easier to deal with, says Inspector Mick Tar King, the community liaison officer. "There is dialogue at all times.”

Tl ie same police members dealing with gang members also smooths the way. “They know me. They don’t feel hassled,” he cays. He usually visits in a n unmarked car and in plain clothes.

H e is confident that gang behaviour will improve providing the different) groups keep to their iiqn territory. They have agtjeed to do this, he says. Superintendent J. F. G 1 ytmn says that the police approach is down the mifcidle, neutral and professional. When gang membets do break the law

they should be dealt with tactfully, legally, and firmly. It is also important to see the problem in a balanced. “We must take note of public opinion, and at the same time we cannot be heaved in countless directions by the whims of people who are too intolerant.” he says Regular contact with gang leaders and sensible efforts to liaise with other community agencies to help guide gangs towards constructive activities are important police aims, says Superintendent Glynn says that the police Patrols are organised when necessary. It is also important to have trained and well informed-led police staff with clearly understood responsibilities, he adds.