February 28, 2024
Gang bravado fast track to jail
Minister Shane Jones says gang members who say they’ll go to war if police try to remove their patches need to get read for jail time.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell is set to introduce legislation giving police new powers against gangs as part of the coalition agreement.
That drew a sharp response from a Mongrel Mob member from Opotiki who appeared on the SUNDAY television programme at the weekend.
Mr Jones says gang culture has to change.
People are scared. people are afraid. Although gangs believe they are an evolution of Maori identity that is never something I have never agreed with and never will. So to the whanaunga who said he’s going to declare war, prepare to take a tooth brush and a pack of toothpaste. With that attitude you’re going to jail,” he says.
Shane Jones.