The National Party seems intent on ceding as much ground to their opponents as possible. They are marching back from their previous positions faster than a French Army.
The latest retreat is abandoning National’s credentials on crime:
National is distancing itself from its controversial Strike Force Raptor proposal, saying it would not direct the police to set up such a unit if elected.
The Opposition party made headlines in November when it proposed an elite police squad be formed to target and harass gang members, taking a zero tolerance approach to all offences, no matter how minor.
Then-leader Simon Bridges strongly endorsed the idea – which was modelled on a unit in New South Wales – calling it “devastatingly effective”, but criminologists and former detectives said the plan had not worked in Australia.
RNZ understands some National MPs were uncomfortable with the proposal at the time, fearing it could unfairly target Maori.
Asked whether new leader Todd Muller would advocate for the Strike Force Raptor proposal, a party spokesperson told RNZ all policies were under review.
“Any changes or new policies will be announced in the coming weeks.”
But, speaking to RNZ on Wednesday night, National police spokesperson Brett Hudson confirmed the party, if elected, would not direct the police to set up a specialist unit akin to Strike Force Raptor.
“I wouldn’t step too far over the line to be seen to be directing police on how they deal with their operational procedures and models. The police commissioner has that responsibility.”
Asked whether National would abandon the idea altogether, Hudson sought to distance himself from the proposal.
“It’s not really about whether you have a specialised unit. It certainly isn’t about a name,” Hudson said.
“I’m not sure that it was ever envisaged that we would have a unit that would be called [Strike Force Raptor] or anything similar to that.”
That wasn’t a walk-back, that was a stampede of a retreat. It qualifies for a charge of cowardice under fire.
So much for being tough on crimes and gangs.
Why on earth announce this rubbish policy instead of a sensible ‘gang patches will be confiscated and then used for putting in frames to adorn Police clubs and bars around the country like trophies’ policy.
All National has done is cede the law and order debate to NZ First and to Act.
The longer this campaign runs the more indistinguishable National will be from Labour. Now they are both soft on crime.
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