Urgent parole law reforms needed
An urgent review of parole laws is needed to stop skyrocketing re-offending rates by criminals on parole, says
National's Law and Order spokesman, Tony Ryall.
The Sensible Sentencing Trust has launched a campaign today calling for parole to be abolished.
Mr Ryall says that the Government is failing to put enough effective resources into ensuring parole is properly
monitored.
"55% of people on parole re-offend within two years and 86% re-offend within five years. These shocking re-offending
rates and the brutal crimes being committed by people on parole are causing justifiable public outrage.
"The Government has also cut the minimum period of time criminals must serve before they can get parole. In New Zealand
today we have the shameful situation where a rapist sentenced to nine years can get parole after only three years.
"The public should be protected from the Taffy Hotenes of the world. Instead, the Government's parole system is putting
innocent people in dangerous situations," says Mr Ryall.