Opposition Proposes Facial Tattoo Ban for Gangs Amidst Rising Violence in Ōpōtiki

41

The opposition’s police spokesperson has indicated that legislation may be introduced to prohibit the display of facial tattoos among gang members, should the proposed ban on gang insignias fail to achieve its goals.

Often tipped as the potential next Police Minister, Mitchell put forth a stipulation requiring gang members with such tattoos to apply foundation each day as a cover-up, or risk potential arrest.


Further plans under consideration include extending the police’s powers, allowing them to inspect known or suspected gang members, their vehicles, and properties without the need for warrants, as well as issuing dispersal notices to restrict communication between gang members.

Additionally, the proposed crackdown includes a ban on gang-related activities on social media platforms, reflecting an increasing trend for law enforcement to monitor online behaviors.

The heightened scrutiny comes amidst rising tensions due to a flurry of gang-related incidents in Ōpōtiki, where there had been a markedly conspicuous gang-associated funeral earlier this year.

Mitchell attested to the acute awareness of the escalating gang situation in Ōpōtiki. He underscored the urgent need for law enforcement to possess proactive tools enabling them to efficiently respond to gang-related activity before potentially deadly events occur, such as the recent shooting of a young woman and multiple instances of residential properties being the target of gang shootings.

Following the most recent shooting incident, law enforcement was granted expanded powers to conduct searches without warrants, thanks to the temporary enactment of the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act.

In spite of the ability to swiftly obtain warrants within hours, Mitchell maintained that such a system is inherently reactive and advocated for a proactive approach instead. He further criticized the prevailing firearms prohibition laws as being ineffectively weak.

Regarding the issue of online gang activity, Mitchell mentioned a recent meeting with an executive from Meta, affirming the determination to effectively tackle gang-related activities on platforms owned by the tech giant.

Mitchel asserted the country’s stance against gang patches and insignia, citing that their ultimate purpose lies in igniting fear and intimidation among the general public. Any attempts by gangs to circumvent regulations through offensive facial tattoos will be met with legal resistance, as seen in Australia, where gang members are now required to apply makeup to hide tattoos each day.

In 2021, laws banning gang tattoos were established in Western Australia, where gang members are allowed to use makeup as a cover-up. The following convictions were implemented this year.

The law in Western Australia also empowers police to command gathered gang members to disperse and abstain from communication for a subsequent period of seven days, demonstrating similarities to Mitchell’s proposal.

When queried about enforcement mechanisms, Mitchell affirmed that arrests would continue until gang members comprehend the seriousness of the situation.

Mitchell, however, has not secured his anticipated position as Police Minister in the forming new government.