Racism concerns rise over proposed citizen’s-arrest law

The proposed loosening of citizen’s arrest powers in New Zealand has sparked concern over the racial profiling that might result.

The changes were introduced as part of the Crimes Amendment Bill by Minister Paul Goldsmith in December last year.

If passed, the law would enable members of the public to arrest anyone of any age for any crime, using reasonable force and mechanical restraints if necessary.

In a submission to the Justice Select Committee, Children’s Commissioner Claire Achmad outlined the disproportionate impact for Māori and Pacific mokopuna.

“Both groups are more likely to be discriminated against, subjected to increased use of force including physical and mechanical restraint, and detention, and they are already overrepresented in the criminal justice system.

“In our engagements with mokopuna . . . they have told us they experience racism in lots of different ways and that racism is everywhere.”

Paul Goldsmith, who serves as both the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Pacific Peoples, says this is not his primary concern.

“I’m also concerned that Māori and Pacific [people] are more likely to be victims of crime. We are very focused on reducing the number of victims of crime . . . that’s where our focus lies.”

While the changes are being posed as a retail crime solution, the co-owner of Auckland clothing store Crushes, Rose Hope, says she is unconvinced.

“I think the most dangerous thing for me is [racial] profiling and people feeling targeted.

“It's almost reckless to enable people who have come with their own biases to [enforce] any sort of law.”

Goldsmith says he and the National Party are hoping to see the bill passed before this year’s election.

The Justice Select Committee is due to report back tomorrow, before the bill goes through its second reading in Parliament.