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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsCriminal IssuesPublic PolicyJuvenile JusticeYouth CrimeBoot CampsCriminal Rehabilitation•••Started 2mos agoActive 6 days ago

Should the government send serious youth offenders to military-style boot camps?

Following a highly publicized spike in youth crime, particularly 'ram raids' on retail stores, the coalition government has reintroduced military-style academies for serious repeat young offenders. These programs aim to rehabilitate youth through physical drills, strict hierarchy, and isolation. While popular with voters seeking immediate law and order solutions, the concept is controversial among criminologists; a leaked government report previously suggested such programs have high recidivism rates. Proponents argue that the current 'soft' approach has failed and that discipline provides the structure these teens lack. Opponents argue that boot camps are expensive political theater that ignore the root causes of poverty and abuse.

Answer Overview

Response rates from 76 New Zealand voters.

61%
Yes
39%
No
58%
Yes
33%
No
3%
Yes, rigorous discipline is exactly what these troubled kids are missing at home
4%
No, the Royal Commission proved that institutionalizing vulnerable kids is a recipe for disaster
0%
Yes, we need harsh consequences to scare these ferals straight
3%
No, boot camps just train angry kids to be fitter, faster, and better connected criminals

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 76 New Zealand voters.

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Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 76 New Zealand voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from New Zealand voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @BD5FQLWanswered…6 days6D

No, sounds expensive, and hell... the "vulnerable kids" might harm our DF personnel! No. You get a rope... and a sturdy tree (or a structure can be built). There's a special knot. A hood can be added as a matter of style. Perhaps train them to use a shovel in advance? For the hole.

 @BD2DDL3answered…2wks2W

It should be an option, but only for some offenders who are likely to respond positively to them and possibly offer pathways into the armed forces after successful completion.

 @BCSMN2Lanswered…3wks3W

No, scientific evidence has proven that these institutions don't work as they remove children from environmental factors temporarily and there needs to be systemic change to reduce crime and recidivism.

 @BCBDZC5answered…1mo1MO

No. Why should the DF have to deal with them. We have prisons...

 @BC7D6C7 answered…2mos2MO

Yes providing better mental health support instead needed more for the individual. One option does not fit all.

 @BBX7PLZanswered…2mos2MO

No. Who cares? It sounds like these kids don't gain anything from the experience (just like they couldn't be bothered with education). Extend this programme to all school children, and make it optional. Sounds like a good experience.

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