Māori police liaison teams a must in gang shotout Mark Mitchell National Party

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Claudette Hauiti Mark Mitchell: Māori police liaison teams a must in gang shotout Mark Mitchell National Party

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National Party police spokesperson Mark Mitchell wants to see more support for Māori liaison officers who can de-escalate tensions between warring gangs.

This week there have been nine firearms incidents in Auckland and one in Kaikohe.

The Whangaparaoa MP and former policemen says the Maori officers can talk with gangsters and try to prevent violence.

“That has to be backed up with consequences and it has to be backed up by the police saying ‘I’m sorry, you guys can’t take over public spaces, you can’t abuse and insult members of the public, you can’t drive around with firearms and use them on the street.’ It is an extremely important role. It’s got to be backed up with consequences as well,” Mr Mitchell says.

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