A program on the West Shore that is taking a compassionate approach to criminal justice, while saving time and money for the courts.
Liquor Planet in Langford is just one business involved in the program. Manager Wyatt Oickle says it’s not unusual for people to steal from the family-owned business, saying it’s like stealing from his family every time it happens.“She was an addict and wanted to just kind of fulfill her needs," says Oickle.
He knows she’s an addict because he got to sit down with her through the West Shore RCMP’s restorative justice program. Instead of pressing charges, victims can push for community service. "They just make a one-time bad decision is how we look at it. And now we can set them back on the right track," says program coordinator Randie Johal.This year alone the program has already helped divert 24 people from the courts, like two teens caught spray-painting around Starlight Stadium.The teens wrote apology letters, paid a fine, and did park cleanups to repay their debts.
“I guarantee you, they’re not going to be doing that again," added the parent. “That would just be horrible for such a stupid minor offence to have that affect the rest of your life.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
West Shore RCMP seek teen after assault on bus driver in LangfordMounties are appealing to the public to identify a teenager who allegedly assaulted a bus driver in Langford last month.
Read more »
Man arrested in Finlayson Arm Road break-in that brought heavy police presenceWest Shore RCMP asked nearby residents to stay inside their homes.
Read more »
Man arrested in Finlayson Arm Road break-in that brought heavy police presenceWest Shore RCMP asked nearby residents to stay inside their homes.
Read more »
Public asked to avoid area of Finlayson Arm and Millstream roads for police incidentWest Shore RCMP have a 'heavy police presence' in the Finlayson Arm and Millstream roads area for a police incident.
Read more »
RCMP highlight restorative justice programThe West Shore RCMP's restorative justice program is in the spotlight for its compassionate approach to criminal justice.
Read more »