Improved Satisfaction with Justice Services
Why is this a priority?
Trust and confidence is critical for the ongoing effectiveness of the justice system. There is an ongoing risk to public trust in the justice system, particularly when critical incidents occur, and there is negative public response to accusations of misconduct.
There is some evidence of a decline in trust in relation to some parts of the criminal justice system since 1999. The 2006 New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey showed a decrease in public rating of Police and Probation Services in particular, although it is possible that the timing of the survey could impact significantly on these findings.
How will the sector demonstrate its success?
Key measures will include:
- Percentage of respondents who consider that justice officers or staff are doing a good or excellent job (New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey)
- Ratings of different criminal justice groups, by ethnicity (New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey).
Figure 9 - Criminal justice groups rated as doing a good or excellent job: 1999 and 2006
| Agency | 1999 NZCASS | 2006 NZCASS | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | 74% | 60% | -14% |
| Juries | 63% | 59% | -4% |
| Judges | 42% | 47% | +5% |
| Criminal Lawyers | 45% | 44% | -1% |
| Probation Officers | 50% | 41% | -9% |
| Prison Service | 39% | 40% | +1% |
Figure 10 - Ratings of different criminal justice groups, by ethnicity
Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Attorney-General
Hon Rick Barker
Minister for Courts
Hon Annette King
Minister of Justice
Minister of Police
Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Corrections
