National MP and one-time National Party leadership candidate Mark Mitchell said he agrees with Justice Minister Andrew Little that New Zealand’s justice system should put more emphasis on early intervention and prisoner rehabilitation.
However, he reaffirmed his support for the tightened bail laws.
"Where Andrew Little is on very dangerous ground is that some people need to be in prison. When you start talking about releasing some people early on bail...you're going to risk public safety."
He made the comments in Newshub Nation’s "Ask Me Anything" Facebook Live session.
He was also asked if he understood why some voters were concerned about his previous work in the Middle East as a private security contractor.
"I completely understand there'd be some public interest around it but not as much as you might think. It's generated from one area, from people who haven't actually understood what is done out in the world," he said.
"The fact of the matter is that sometimes Governments need help, sometimes they can't do things themselves, and they seek the private sector."
Mr Mitchell also shared his favourite "better work story" from his time as a police officer, which involved cannabis, a service dog and three unlucky teenagers.
Watch the video for more highlights from the Facebook Live.
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