The Drivers of Crime Ministerial Meeting was convened as a starting point for a new approach to dealing with offending and victimisation in New Zealand. It was attended by more than 100 invited participants from a range of organisations and backgrounds, and with a common interest and expertise in dealing with and preventing crime and victimisation. A document of the proceedings from the meeting was produced as a reflection of the discussions held on the day.

Participants who attended the meeting, as well as other individuals or organisations with an interest in the subject, were invited to meet with their networks, organisations, iwi and communities to:
• Discuss the underlying drivers of crime identified in the proceedings;
• Provide suggested approaches to addressing them; and
• Raise any additional points relating to the drivers of crime not discussed at the meeting.
• This document summarises the submissions received and will be used to inform the direction of work on addressing the drivers of crime.

Among the common themes identified were:

Parenting and family
Underlying issues stemming from family dysfunction were a significant part of the discussion in all groups at the ministerial meeting. Poor parenting and child maltreatment were discussed as problems that are being transferred between generations, and are coupled with poverty and low educational attainment.

Community and identity
Several issues relating to community and identity were identified. Alongside parenting and family issues, the community environment was identified by all groups as contributing to crime. Specific reference was made to a deterioration of community values and support structures, and alienation from community and wider society as wider issues.

Schooling education
While a range of concerns were identified, education was seen as a solution to many problems.

Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol was discussed by most groups at the meeting as a contributor or ‘facilitator' of crime rather than a driver. Alcohol was seen to amplify negative issues in family and community environments.

Mental health
Mental health problems were seen to exacerbate already identified risk factors.

Behavioural problems and conduct disorder
Many participants identified behavioural problems in childhood as a warning sign for later criminal offending. These problems can also contribute to family stress and poor educational participation and achievement by children and young people.

Justice system factors
Many groups identified the need for a philosophical shift in the justice system, from a retributive or punitive model to a restorative, rehabilitative community-based model. There was discussion about the extent to which the police, courts, prisons and youth justice facilities perpetuate offending and re-offending. Particular issues identified included the criminalization of low-level offenders, and the lack of interventions to reduce recidivism.

The full report can be read at the following website address:
http://www.justice.govt.nz/jspu/Drivers%20of%20Crime%20%20-%20Report%20on%20Submissions.pdf

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