Money recovered from criminal activity will be redirected into programmes aimed at reducing violence, preventing reoffending and disrupting the illegal drug trade, with the Government allocating almost $14.6 million from the Proceeds of Crime Fund.
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says nine initiatives will receive funding, with the Government refocusing the scheme towards projects it says can directly contribute to reducing violent crime and creating safer communities.
Among the initiatives is $1.2 million for Netsafe to address technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and violence affecting young New Zealanders, including prevention, victim support and early intervention. Another $2 million will support Pet Refuge to help people escaping family violence without having to leave their pets behind.
Customs will also receive new technology to strengthen efforts at the border, including $547,000 for handheld X-ray equipment to detect concealed drugs and $308,000 for substance-identification equipment and drug monitoring projects.
The latest funding round attracted 43 eligible proposals seeking more than $160 million, significantly more than the money available. The Proceeds of Crime Fund was established in 2009 and uses assets recovered under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act to support initiatives aimed at reducing crime and its impact.
The Government says the latest allocation is about turning money generated through criminal offending back towards prevention, victims and frontline efforts to disrupt further offending.
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