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Archived Press Releases 2009 7th April 2009

NZ POLICE IMMUNE TO DRUG ABUSE

(7th April 2009)

From the meeting last week where 100 people from the wider Justice spectrum met to try and determine the drivers of crime, Pita Sharples is reported as asking "Why is there so much anger in our communities, in our houses, on our streets."

He questioned whether alcohol and drug abuse had been normalised and whether New Zealanders were becoming immune to violence and extreme criminal behaviour.

Christine Davey, Sensible Sentencing's Spokesperson on Drug Issues, has to wonder if Mr Sharples has even heard of the Sensible Sentencing Trust, and why we were established.

Sensible Sentencing's membership includes thousands of Nzers who are anything but immune to NZ's climate of violence and extreme criminal behaviour – many of our members have personally borne the brunt of this behaviour, and we have come out fighting.

As for drug abuse being normalised – Ms Davey concedes that this is apparently so for those who use illicit drugs, the concept of chemical relief through marijuana being established in the 3rd form at most NZ High schools these days.

But she can assure Mr Sharples that using illicit drugs has NOT been normalised amongst the parents of many Users – a fact which is borne out by the many parents who go to the Police, desperate for help to stop this happening.

Where Drug use HAS been normalised, is within our Police Force. Police are not the slightest bit interested in hearing about kids who are Using illicit drugs – they only become interested when the crimes start being committed because of drug use.

So who is responsible for the escalation of illicit drug use in NZ? The NZ Police are – because they are charged with upholding the law, and in this case they do not.

Until we achieve intervention in illicit drug use at family request, violence and extreme criminal behaviour will continue.

It's that simple.

Regards,

Christine Davey
Sensible Sentencing Spokesperson on Drug Issues,
mobile 027 6376166
Christine Davey has first hand experience of P use in her family, and also supports many other NZ parents in her role as Administrator on the Fight Against P website www.fightagainstp.com

Through the Sensible Sentencing Trust Christine is campaigning for intervention in drug use at family request and removal of children from the care of known drug-users.