Police actions at the funeral of a prominent gang member in Porirua yesterday have raised eyebrows, with checkpoints, arrests, and fines overshadowing what officers themselves described as a “well-behaved” event.
Despite praising the overall conduct of mourners, Police arrested three people and issued two summonses for breaching bail, driving while disqualified, and failing to stop. A 30-year-old was also arrested for wearing gang insignia under the Gangs Act.
The arrest occurred at a checkpoint set up about 1 kilometre from the Wainuiomata funeral home, where officers appeared intent on targeting those in attendance. Alongside the arrest, several infringements were issued, and five vehicles were seized by the Ministry of Justice for unpaid fines. Police recovered $4,500 in outstanding penalties at the checkpoint.
A further vehicle leaving Whenua Tapu Cemetery was impounded after the driver failed to stop when signalled.
The operation, described by Police as an effort to “allow family and mourners the space and respect to grieve” while upholding the law, instead saw a heavy enforcement presence that appeared to single out funeral attendees.
Despite minimal disruption reported, the aggressive enforcement raises questions about the necessity of such a visible Police presence at a time when mourners were paying their respects.