Tough on Crime? Evidence Shows Anti-Gang Policies Could Backfire

Experts urge the government to rethink its approach to gangs, highlighting research and community insights that suggest current strategies may worsen the problem.

The government’s recent push for harsher anti-gang measures, including reintroducing boot camps, reinstating three-strikes sentencing, and advancing the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill, promises to “restore law and order.” However, evidence and expert insights suggest these measures may achieve the opposite.

The Hidden Costs of Anti-Gang Policies

While banning gang patches and restricting members’ public activities may seem like straightforward solutions, research indicates these policies often fail to reduce crime. In fact, they risk driving criminal activity underground. Studies also show increased police contact can label individuals as criminals, inadvertently escalating offending and victimization rates.

Moreover, such policies disproportionately affect Māori youth and their communities. In 2021, the police were found to have illegally collected tens of thousands of photos of young Māori during gang investigations. This highlights the broader risks of over-surveillance in already marginalized communities.

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Understanding Gangs: The Roots of the Problem

The recent Royal Commission into Abuse in Care revealed deep connections between systemic harm and the rise of gangs in New Zealand. Formed as a response to structural racism and the abuse of Māori in state care, gangs such as the Mongrel Mob and Black Power reflect the intergenerational trauma inflicted on their members.

Instead of addressing these root causes, successive governments have focused on suppressing gang activity, overlooking the nuanced history of how these groups formed as survival mechanisms for marginalized individuals.

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A Call for Evidence-Based Policy

Academic and community experts agree that current government strategies miss the mark. Research featured in the Decolonization of Criminology and Justice journal highlights alternative perspectives. For instance, the gang patch—often seen as a symbol of intimidation—has evolved into a cultural emblem representing personal rehabilitation and community leadership for some members.

This shift demonstrates that criminalization alone fails to address the complexities of gang identity. Policymakers need to engage with grassroots experts who work directly with gang whānau to develop more effective solutions.

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Toward Smarter Solutions

Relying solely on punitive measures risks perpetuating the cycle of harm. Evidence-backed approaches would focus on addressing the socioeconomic factors driving gang membership, such as housing, education, and systemic inequities. By incorporating insights from both academic research and community leaders, the government could create policies that reduce offending and support long-term rehabilitation.

Ultimately, achieving safer communities requires policies that target the roots of crime—not just its symptoms.

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