New Powers for Police to Move on Rough Sleepers Spark Resource Concerns

The New Zealand government is granting police new powers to issue move-on orders for individuals displaying disorderly behavior, including rough sleeping, in city and town centers. The move, announced by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell, aims to address disruption and disturbance in public spaces, but has raised concerns about potential strain on police resources.

New Enforcement Powers

Under the amended Summary Offences Act, police will be able to order individuals to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours if they are:

• Displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening, or intimidating behavior.
• Obstructing someone’s entry to a business.
• Breaching the peace.
• Engaging in begging.
• Rough sleeping.
• Exhibiting behavior indicating an intent to inhabit a public place.

Breaching a move-on order carries a potential fine of up to $2000 or a jail term of up to three months. The ministers stated that police will determine if any support is needed for those moved on, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressing confidence in the police’s ability to assess individual needs (RNZ).

Police Association Raises Concerns

Still, Steve Watt, head of the Police Association, has voiced concerns about the impact on already stretched police resources. He argues that shifting rough sleepers from one location to another could divert officers from other critical duties, such as responding to burglaries (RNZ). Watt questioned whether police are the appropriate agency to address the underlying issues contributing to homelessness, such as mental health, financial hardship, and housing insecurity.

Watt also highlighted the logistical challenges of enforcing the orders, particularly regarding the possessions of rough sleepers. He questioned whether officers would be expected to move individuals’ belongings, such as shopping carts filled with possessions (RNZ).

Internal Concerns About Police Role

Emails released to RNZ reveal that Police Minister Mark Mitchell previously expressed reluctance about police taking a leading role in addressing homelessness in central Auckland, expecting other agencies to “step up and own” social issues (RNZ). A staff member’s email from November 5th echoed this sentiment, stating that Mitchell did not believe police should be leading the response and had previously found themselves burdened with work typically handled by other agencies.

Mixed Reactions

While Auckland business leaders have welcomed the move, anticipating a safer and more appealing city center, social agencies have widely condemned it. Critics argue that simply displacing individuals will not address the root causes of homelessness or the mental health and addiction issues many rough sleepers face (RNZ).

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith stated that New Zealand’s main streets and town centers have been “blighted” by disruption and disturbance, leading to a decline in businesses. He emphasized that police currently have limited options when dealing with disruptive behavior that doesn’t constitute a criminal offense (Mirage News).