Restorative Justice from the Perspective of Cheshire Constabulary
To receive a presentation and watch a DVD on Restorative Justice.
Minutes:
Ellie Acton from the Police Authority attended to provide a presentation on the principle and practice of Restorative Justice. It was reported that the Police Authority had agreed on the following definition for Restorative Justice, namely that – ‘all parties with a stake in a particular conflict or offence come together to resolve collectively how to deal with the aftermath of the conflict or offence and its implications for the future’. It was also asserted that within the framework, offenders had the opportunity to acknowledge the impact of what they had done, and to make reparation, and that victims also had the opportunity to have their harm or loss acknowledged and amends made.
Ellie Acton continued to explain the aims of Restorative Justice. It was noted that the initiative attempted to have a particularly strong victim focus. With this came a greater emphasis on the victim and their needs, expressed by listening to them and seeking their input. It was reported how this process often helped to produce safer and stronger communities, another aim of the initiative. Attention was also drawn to the fact that Restorative Justice aimed to produce a reduction in re-offending and the number of first-time offenders who were needlessly entering the criminal justice system. It was also reported that the process helped to restore discretion for officers, improving their motivation and subsequent performance.
In terms of who could receive a Restorative Justice disposal, it was explained that the case must have met the following criteria: suitability of offence, suitability of offender and finally, victim agreement. In terms of the first element, it was reported that the offence must have been trivial in nature with Ellie Action citing examples such as criminal damage, petty theft and minor violence against the person. In terms of the second point, it was explained that Restorative Justice was usually disposed to those who had no previous in terms of that particular crime. Lastly, attention was drawn to the fact that Restorative Justice was only ever used when the police had full agreement and compliance from the victim.
Ellie Acton then went through a number of case studies to illustrate the efficacy of the concept. Throughout these the point was made that Restorative Justice was not the ‘soft option’ that it was often made out to be. On the contrary, it was explained that it was a more immediate type of justice which provided a satisfactory outcome for all parties.
As a final point, it was reported that there were other uses for Restorative Justice beyond those already discussed. These were as follows:
As an opening statement, the Chairman wished to emphasise how powerful a process Restorative Justice could be. Building on this assertion, it was pointed out that a large majority of calls that the Police had received tended to be focused on minor neighbourhood disturbances. With this is mind, it was explained how Restorative Justice could provide opportunities ... view the full minutes text for item 70