Penal policy review
Sir,—The Penal Policy Review Committee has given the Government its report which you printed (February 10 and 11). It recommends some softer punishment with greater emphasis on non-custodial sentences and “rehabilitation within the community.” The report is full of airy-fairy nonsense with recommendations about “academic and educational services” close to prisons and allowing prisoners “close contact with friends” (on the outside) thus assisting “social reintegration.” People who repeatedly commit acts of violence, vandalism, burglaries, thefts, etc., should be imprisoned for long stretches to protect' people and property. Mr Ben Couch, Minister of Police, said last June that punishment is too soft in New Zealand, with counselling, probation, and community work proven ineffective. The public is willing to pay for protection. I hope the Government will file the penal report in the appropriate place — the waste-paper bin. — Yours, etc., R. J. BURNS. Lyttelton. February 11, 1982.
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Press, 13 February 1982, Page 14
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148Penal policy review Press, 13 February 1982, Page 14
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