7th Review: Background and Summary

Background

This report details results from the 7th review of relevant Police activity since enactment of the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act 2007. This review covers the period 23 December 2009 to 22 June 2010.

Monitoring initially took place for a two year period since enactment on 22nd June, 2007.

In December 2009, the Prime Minister invited Police to continue monitoring for a further three years. This followed the review into the policies and procedures used by the New Zealand Police and Child, Youth and Family. Police was also invited to include data on cases in which a parent or caregiver said the force used on the child was reasonable in the circumstances.

Monitoring was originally undertaken so that Police could respond proactively to any issues which might arise following the enactment. It was also done to provide specific information on the number of calls to police about child assaults involving 'smacking' and 'minor acts of physical discipline'.

Summary

(i) Results for the seventh review are consistent with previous reviews.

(ii) The third prosecution for a smacking event since June 2007 has occurred during this latest review period.

(iii) There is an increase in the number of events attended by police during this review period which is consistent with reduced tolerance and increased reporting of child assault events.