The Government hopes criminals will be deterred as it proposes loosening restrictions on citizen's arrests.

It would mean businesses could arrest and detain people stealing at any hour, and use reasonable force.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says this doesn't mean people can't tackle others or force them to the ground - but they will be able to directly intervene.

"The definition of reasonable force is something that the courts will work their way through - but yes, holding on to somebody's arm and stopping them from getting away is reasonable." 

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The Government hopes criminals will be deterred as it proposes loosening restrictions on citizen's arrests.
It would mean businesses could arrest and detain people stealing at any hour, and use reasonable force.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says this doesn't mean people can't tackle others or force them to the ground - but they will be able to directly intervene.
"The definition of reasonable force is something that the courts will work their way through - but yes, holding on to somebody's arm and stopping them from getting away is reasonable."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on the Government proposing loosening restrictions on citizen's arrests

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/76489f45-1be4-4ccc-8ba6-b290004a642a/transcript