NCJ Number
43811
Date Published
1977
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND VIOLENT CRIME IN THE KINGDOM OF TONGA IS DISCUSSED.
Abstract
IN 1973 AND 1975, CHIEFS OF POLICE AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM OF CRIMINALITY AND ALCOHOLIC DRINK. THE GROUP AGREED THAT POLYNESIAN ISLANDERS HAVE NO SOCIAL HISTORY OF SELF-CONTROL WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND THEREFORE REACT MORE AGGRESSIVELY. ASSAULT AND BODILY INJURY ARE CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMPTION OF LIQUOR PRIOR TO OR DURING SUCH INCIDENTS. THE INCIDENCE OF ASSAULT INVOLVING ISLANDERS IN NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES IS INCREASING AND, UNLESS ABATED, MAY RESULT IN DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ISLANDERS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA. TONGAN LAW FORBIDDING PEOPLE TO IMPORT, STORE, CONSUME, SELL, OR MAKE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHOUT A PERMIT IS NOTED, AS IS THE LAX ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE LAW, WHICH ESTABLISHES A KIND OF QUOTA SYSTEM FOR THE AMOUNTS OF LIQUOR THAT PERMIT HOLDERS MAY CONSUME, ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTES TO VIOLENT CRIME IN TONGA. IN 25 OUT OF 26 MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER CONVICTIONS INVOLVING ONLY NATIVE TONGANS SINCE 1935, THE OFFENDERS WERE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. THE TENDENCY OF TONGAN YOUTHS TO ENGAGE IN INTENSIVE DRINKING SESSIONS DURING WHICH HOARDED SUPPLIES OF LIQUOR ARE CONSUMED QUICKLY IS NOTED.