Mob mentality

As a former teacher at Mt Eden Remand, gang behaviour needs more than “the fear factor” or “punitive, blanket remedies” to reverse.

Dysfunctional families, poverty, a lack of education, mental health issues, good models and peer influence should be factored into the solution, including the role of reformed, ex-members as mentors for the very young recruits.

No matter what party is in power none has come up with an easy fix, nor with pinpoint law changes.

Paul Protheroe, Manurewa.