In 1980 the total number of sentences for all crime in New Zealand was 125,565.
In 2019 the total number of sentences for all crime in New Zealand was 57,065.
In 1980 the total number of imprisonment sentences handed down in New Zealand was 3,177.
In 2019 the total number of imprisonment sentences handed down in New Zealand was 6,646.
In 1980 the total number of community sentences handed down in New Zealand was 6,362.
In 2019 the total number of community sentences handed down in New Zealand was 25,111.
In 1980 the total number of monetary sentences handed down in New Zealand was 107,466.
In 2019 the total number of monetary sentences handed down in New Zealand was 18,274.
In 1980 the total number of other crime statistics recorded in New Zealand was 2,748.
In 2019 the total number of other crime statistics recorded in New Zealand was 3,617.
In 1980 the total number of sentences recorded in New Zealand were 5,312.
In 2019 the total number of sentences recorded in New Zealand were 3,417.
What does all this tell us?
It shows that New Zealand is continuing to become a more honest society, as the number of monetary sentences handed down has diminished.
It also tells us that the total number of sentences has dropped. Even if we had an over-stressed justice system, the vast disparity still shows a drop in crime.
Despite a drop in crime, we see the amount of sentences handed out has increased. This tells us that we are getting tougher on crime in New Zealand.
Community sentences have quadrupled. This tells us that we are trying more compassionate ways to reform criminals and trying not to tie up our prisons too much.
The statistics in other crimes reported remain nearly the same.
Yet the overall number of sentences recorded has almost halved. This could be a strong indicator that there has been a strong shift to community sentencing whilst sentencing has dropped due to a lower crime rate.
All this, despite the population of New Zealand growing at an exponential rate.
So why has there been am increase in the number of Security Companies operating In New Zealand and an increase in the number of Security Guards within New Zealand?
It is clear. New Zealander’s overall have placed more emphasis on focusing on catching criminals and not letting them get away with crime. We are not as complacent as we once were in the 1980’s. Both from a Government perspective and from a private perspective.
This study clearly shows that we, as an industry, are set not just to stay but to also grow in the future.
Your role in security, both part and full time is important to Kiwis. Public Watch and Safety are dedicated to keeping our residents and businesses safe and secure.