Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs Case Study

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The government has the responsibility to make sure that the community is safe. Sometimes the government has to enforce laws that breach certain rights in order to protect the safety of the community. This essay will explore the issue of human rights in relation to Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCG) by examining: the history of the issue; the current law; stakeholders and their interests; positive and negative aspects of the legal situation; and recommendations for change.

In Australia there has been a historic link between OMCG and crime and violence, it is this association that has led to the current VLAD law in Queensland and other states considering harsher laws as well. Bikie gangs are targeted for drugs, the selling of stolen cars, firearms marketing, terrorization and violence, and with Australia has over 6000 and growing members belonging to around 45 outlaw gangs, ranging across Darwin to Tasmania it is hard for the police to maintain order (News, 2013). A day …show more content…

An inspection in the overall crime rate in Queensland shows that it has been steadily reducing for the past 2 years (as shown in the graph below). The overall crime rate in Queensland. Queensland Police Service, CC BY

In common offences such as robbery, break and enters, and stolen vehicles was also recognized in the introduction of the VLAD law, members of the public believe that innocent civilians are wrongly accused for being a part of OMCG and the Queensland government has made it clear that “Only those who have involvement with declared criminal motorcycle gangs are targeted” and “The legislation clearly outlines that for the purposes of the many Acts the association must have “the purpose of engaging in, or conspiring to engage in”, serious offences (declared) offences”, so if you are engaged if you prove that you are not involved the police won’t involve you (Queensland Police,

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