A very good idea
Friday, Aug 7, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the twitters…
Agreed.
* I don’t always express love for the Illinois Policy Institute, but their research and hard work on criminal justice reform has been astoundingly good this year…
Illinois law provides few remedies for property-crime victims to recover their losses. Anyone guilty of a property crime, such as theft or destruction of property, may be sent to jail or prison, but this precludes them from working to pay off their debt. And even if victims can cover the cost or time needed for a civil lawsuit, incarcerated defendants rarely have the assets to pay them.
Instead of sending property offenders to prison – a solution that isn’t always the best option for low-level offenders – a better approach is to pursue restorative-justice programs that ensure that property offenders work to pay back their victims.
States such as Texas and Kansas have implemented restorative-justice programs as an alternative method of addressing nonviolent property crimes. For example, “Bridges to Life,” a Texas program, is a 12-week course for offenders currently serving time in prison. Bridges to Life, which has provided services to 3,100 offenders, is a faith-based program that encourages interaction between offenders and victims.
The program requires the willing participation of both the defendant and the victim, as well as either the admission or – more rarely – a finding of guilt by the defendant. If both parties are willing, the process begins with a conference between the two. The victim is given an opportunity to discuss the harm inflicted by the offender. Through this discussion, the victim is able to determine appropriate sanctions, such as compensation for damages, community service or the defendant’s volunteering at the victim’s preferred charity.
Research has shown higher rates of victim satisfaction upon the completion of restorative-justice programs than through trials resulting in incarceration. The restorative-justice process continues only if the defendant clearly acknowledges responsibility for the harm he or she caused and demonstrates remorse.
Thoughts?
- Politix - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 3:33 pm:
Restorative justice works and it has been used very successfully for many years in schools at the juvenile level. Good to see this finally catching on.
- Joe Cannon - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 3:34 pm:
And if they don’t want to say sorry, don’t buy a replacement, would counseling be a satisfactory resolution? Restorative Justice IS a great concept and should be incorporated more broadly, but seriously, how many people are sitting in prison for stealing a TV?
- El Conquistador - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 3:36 pm:
Sounds like a great policy if you’d like greatly increase the likelihood of having your TV stolen. Actions need consequences not easy outs.
- Greg - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 3:37 pm:
Good stuff
- Ghost - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 3:37 pm:
What we currently have doesnt work.
I would go further, make people eligible for these programs if no violence or weapons are invocled in their crimes. We provide all kinds of ratcheting up, which usually just means people are more depaperate and willing to harm others to aboid being caught….
How about ratcheting down. Programs like this triggered fro non-violence; turning your self in etc
- W.S. Wolcott - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 3:39 pm:
Restorative justice is already in our institutions. The ones I know of are partnered with Universities, such as DePaul. So they may be “faith based” per se, but not exactly. Inmates love the program! They get 2-3 hours per week out of their cell, AND the professors bring around 10-15 Co-Eds with them. No snark intended. 100% true.
- Tequila Mockingbird - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 3:46 pm:
This is one of those things that might work better in theory than in practice. The so called “common criminals” will say anything to stay out of jail or shorten sentences but actually following thru with restitution is rare. I’m speaking from experience as a victim of property crime. The non-violent criminal was ordered all kinds of things by the court but ultimately not held to any of them.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 3:47 pm:
===I’m speaking from experience as a victim of property crime.===
I’ve had two experiences with that. Both involving cars. Full restitution was made in both instances, nobody went to jail and the state’s attorney was very helpful.
- W.S. Wolcott - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 3:50 pm:
Our institutions are full of ratchet down… The incentives are perverse. Lying about about addiction is encouraged by defense attorneys, those priorly convicted, and word on the street. It is well known, inside - and around- the system, that saying you committed crime X,Y, or Z gives one the chance to do time at Sheridan or Southwest CC’s. I know I’m always on the wrong side here about crime and punishment - but I do it everyday…well, five times a week anyway….
- Wordslinger - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 4:08 pm:
Some kid broke into my garage many years ago. I wasn’t home, but my neighbor spotted him and the coppers caught him inside.
Nothing was missing, obviously, and I forgot all about it. Months later, someone from the Cook County SA called and said the Marines were wiling to take the kid, and would I object to them dropping the charges?
Not at all, I thought it was a great idea.
- Skeptic - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 4:22 pm:
The “faith based” part raises my eyebrows, but otherwise great idea. (Yes I realize it’s voluntary)
- Harry - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 4:28 pm:
Maybe for a first offense, but it doesn’t leave much downside disincentive for those contemplating property crime. I would be interested in how that TX program looks in another 5 years or so.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 7, 15 @ 4:29 pm:
If restitution can be made, and it’s not a strong arm robbery, I can be open to that idea…