95bFM 'Boots on the ground approach' an inefficient response to tackling crime in Auckland CBD, says criminology professor
20 April, 2022
Interview by Stella Huggins, adapted by Jessica Hopkins
Professor of Criminology at the University of Auckland, James Oleson argues that preventative measures are the best approach to reducing crime in Auckland CBD. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
A tally of victimisations logged by police shows crime surging around 30% above pre-pandemic levels in the last 12 months, with 1971 assaults, 148 aggravated robberies and 1666 thefts from stores.
Residents have called for police to return a permanently staffed station to the area, but Auckland Police Inspector Grae Anderson said they favour a "boots on the ground approach."
Professor of Criminology at the University of Auckland, James Oleson, told Stella Huggins on 95bFM's The Wire that a physical police presence in the Auckland CBD would be relatively inefficient if the perpetrators and behaviours they are trying to deter from crime relocate elsewhere.
"Boots on the ground operate as a capable guardian. But you would need a police force that is implausible in number to successfully control all of the areas known as crime hotspots in Auckland."
Oleson argued that preventative measures are the best approach to reducing crime in the CBD.
"These offences take place because of the strains people are under. COVID and the lockdowns have created financial pressures for many people. We need to alleviate those strains so that offenders are less motivated to be offenders."
"When we start to see greater levels of offending, we are seeing greater inequalities in society," he added. "We should be looking for solutions to those systemic problems, rather than trying to stop an individual with the presence of a police officer."
Public interest journalism funded though NZ On Air
