Beggars and rough sleepers to be targeted in new "move-on orders". Photo / Dean Purcell
The Government is giving police new powers to crack down on beggars, rough sleepers and people “displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating behaviour”.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell have today announced the new “move-on orders” and details around when they’ll be issued and who they will target.
Speaking to media in Auckland this morning, Goldsmith defended suggestions that it was unfairly targeting the most vulnerable.
“It certainly doesn’t criminalise poverty,” Goldsmith said.
The penalty for breaching a move-on order will be a maximum $2000 fine or up to three months’ imprisonment.
“New Zealanders are fair-minded people, and our culture is one where we seek to help those who are in need, but that doesn’t mean we should accept our city centres, particularly our showcase tourist spots, becoming places of intimidation and dysfunction,” Goldsmith said.
“Our main streets and town centres have been blighted by disruption and disturbance. Businesses are declining as some bad behaviour goes unchecked. It needs to stop.”
The Government has agreed to amend the Summary Offences Act to provide police with the power to issue move-on orders to people who are:
– Displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating behaviour
– Obstructing or impeding someone entering a business
– Breaching the peace
– Begging, in all forms
– Rough sleeping
– Displaying behaviour indicating an intent to inhabit a public place
When a police officer issues a move-on order, they’ll be required to warn the person that it is an offence to breach the order – unless the person has a reasonable excuse for being there.
If they continue to display the same behaviour at another location, they’ll be moved on from there too.
“Until they get the message,” Goldsmith said.
Mitchell, the Police Minister, said he supported the increased powers.
“Currently, police officers have limited options to respond, particularly when it doesn’t reach the level of offending. It means many disruptive, distressing and potentially harmful acts can occur before officers have any means of intervention. It doesn’t make sense,” he said.
“Our Government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and building a future where shoppers, visitors, residents and their families can feel safe in our communities,” Goldsmith said.
The new orders will require a person to leave a specified area for a specified amount of time, up to 24 hours.
They’ll also have to move on a reasonable distance from the area, as specified by the constable. It will apply to all people aged 14 or older and be issued in writing “as is operationally appropriate”.
“Naturally, every situation will be different,” Mitchell said.
“Some people may require support services, some may not. Police have the expertise to assess and determine what support is required, if any – they do this every day.
Mitchell also told media on Sunday morning that they shouldn’t assume that “all of these people are homeless”.
“Most of these people have got somewhere to go.”
“[We] continue to see that choose to make the pavements somewhere they want to live.”
“Our police officers are familiar with the locations they work with and already have strong networks and partnerships with social and housing services. I expect Police will work closely with these providers as they develop their operational guidance for the front line.”
Amendments to the Summary of Offences Act will be subject to a legislative process before coming into effect.
The Auckland Business Chamber has welcomed the move, calling it a “sensible and necessary step to strengthen safety in the city centre”.
Chief executive Simon Bridges says the change fills a gap.
“For some time there has been a missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to safety in the CBD. This helps address that.
“We support the investment going into housing, mental health and outreach services. That work is important and it should continue. But keeping the city safe also requires practical enforcement tools. You need both.”
Bridges says businesses want a city centre that feels welcoming and secure for staff, customers and visitors.
“Many of our members have been frustrated by behaviour that falls short of a serious offence but still drives customers away and leaves staff feeling uneasy. Too often there has been little ability to intervene before situations escalate.
“Giving police the discretion to step in early is common sense. It protects the public, supports businesses and safeguards the reputation of our city.”
Bridges says a safe and confident central city is critical to Auckland’s economic future.
“Our city centre is the engine room of the region. If Auckland is going to succeed, our CBD has to be safe. These powers send a clear signal that intimidating and disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.
“This is a firm and practical step in the right direction, and we strongly support it.”